Tuesday, July 5 2005 14:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said the terrorist attack occurred away from the makeshift temple in Ayodhya and the shrine was intact. After briefing the Cabinet and a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security on the attack.

Patil said the aim of the attackers was to create a "serious situation" and efforts were on to identify those responsible. He said the five militants and a policeman were killed in the intense gun-battle in which the attackers used sophisticated weapons and grenades.

The attack took place at 8 AM with the attackers lobbing grenades and then firing indiscriminately, he said, adding police and para-military forces counter-attacked and the exchange of fire lasted for some time.

Patil said the driver of the vehicle used by the militants is being interrogated. The attackers had hired the taxi, asking the driver to show them different places in Ayodhya, he said. Once inside the vehicle, they pushed him out and drove away, the Home Minister said.

Asked if a central team would be sent to Ayodhya to assess the situation, he said, "If necessary, we will do that."