Ayodhya confrontation

1 of 7 For days Hindu nationalists in India have been preparing for a massive rally at the disputed holy site of Ayodhya

2 of 7 "We will not rest" until a Hindu temple is built there on the site of a razed mosque, they say

3 of 7 In 1992 Hindu crowds destroyed the mosque, sparking nationwide riots that left some 2,000 dead

4 of 7 This year Hindu activists set off for Ayodhya from all over India in defiant mood

5 of 7 But thousands were arrested, including such leading figures as Ashok Singhal of the World Hindu Council

6 of 7 Police resorted to rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators - "Had these people not thrown stones and bricks, we would not have taken any action," the police said

7 of 7 The furore of confrontation contrasted sharply with the spirit of prayer