Tuesday, July 5 2005 20:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Home Minister Shivraj Patil today (July 5, 2005) appealed to all leaders against making inflammatory statements in the wake of the terrorist attack in Ayodhya.

"The situation in Ayodhya is normal and there has been no damage to the structure. I appeal to all such leaders who have been making inflammatory statements aimed at disrupting the communal harmony of the country (against making such statements)," he told reporters in New Delhi.

Asked whether BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president L K Advani had a telephonic talk with him, Patil said, "He did and I have briefed him on the incident.

"I recalled how the Congress party had behaved as a responsible Opposition when such attacks had taken place while the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) was in power at the Centre," he said.

The Home Minister expressed hope that the BJP president would convey the sentiments to his party leaders for maintenance of communal harmony and peace in the country.

Asked whether he was referring to the statements issued by the Sangh Parivar and BJP leaders including Rajnath Singh, Patil said, "I am referring to all those people who have made statements which are inflammatory in nature."

Asked about the details of today's attack, the Home Minister said that five militants were killed while two policemen were injured. "One person, who was standing there, was killed in the grenade blast," he said.

The Home Minister said the Government was in constant touch with authorities in Uttar Pradesh and was ready to provide any help. To a question whether the Government had declared a 'red alert' in the country, Patil said, "It is not necessary. We are alert. After all the alertness of the police prevented terrorists from succeeding with their nefarious designs."