LUCKNOW, June 7: Five Hindu activists accused over the demolition of the Babri mosque said on Saturday Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani had ordered them to destroy the ancient structure.

The activists made the claim while speaking to reporters outside a special court hearing the case.

“... we were simply obeying their orders,” said one of the activists, R.N. Das.

“It is very unfair on the part of such senior leaders like Advani to have a separate case going in a separate court while we are facing the brunt of the legal proceedings,” he added.

Advani and seven others are facing charges that they incited the demolition of the 16th century Babri mosque in 1992.

The opposition Congress party immediately called for Advani’s resignation.

“The statement of these activists did not come up suddenly. Their (Advani and others’) names came up ever since the Babri mosque was demolished. It is known that they are conspirators in the Babri case,” party spokesman said.

“It would be better if they resign on their own subscribing to moral standards in public life, or the prime minister should call for their resignation to uphold the prestige of the government.”

Advani and other top leaders of BJP allegedly led the mob of thousands of Hindu activists which tore down the mosque in Ayodhya, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, believing it had been built on top a Hindu temple.—AFP