HYDERABAD, India: Indian Muslims on Dec 6 observed the 13th anniversary of the razing of a 16th century Babri mosque by Hindu mob in the town of Ayodhya, killing more than 3,000 people, as a ‘Black Day’.

Big protest rallies all over the country, including the capital New Delhi, marked the anniversary demanding that the Congress government at the center take immediate steps to rebuild the mosque.

In Tamil Nadu, over 1,600 people courted arrest in Coimbatore and Ramanathapuram districts.

A demonstration was held before State Assembly in the state capital Lucknow demanding that those responsible for the demolition of the mosque be punished soon.

Shutdowns were observed in Andhra Pradesh capital Hyderabad and Muslim-majority districts of the state in response to a call by Muslim organizations. Ayodhya itself was tension-free as Hindus there celebrated the wedding of deity Ram.

In Hyderabad’s Charminar area, which bustles with activity, the streets wore a deserted look as shops and educational institutions remained closed. Black flags were hoisted on crossroads and atop shops and houses. Muslims also kept their business establishments closed in other towns of the state like Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and Adilabad.

They also registered their protest by hoisting black flags atop mosques on the Faizabad-Ayodhya road, police said.