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LUCKNOW: The UP government has identified plots of land outside the periphery of the “panchkosi parikrama” to be offered to the Sunni Waqf Board as an alternative site for a mosque as mandated by the Supreme Court in its verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

“Panchkosi parikrama” is the 15-km-long circular route taken by devotees within Ayodhya to pay obeisance.

Top government sources told TOI that as many as five potential sites close to highways passing by Ayodhya have been identified and sent to the Union home ministry for clearance.

Plots have been identified on the Ayodhya-Faizabad Road, Ayodhya- Basti Road, Ayodhya-Sultanpur Road, Ayodhya-Gorakhour Road, along with one more spot.

Sources said land has been identified beyond the “panchkosi parikrama” periphery so that devotees are not inconvenienced when Muslim and Hindu festivals are held simultaneously. Sources also said a mosque closer to highway will ensure easy access to Muslims.

Most part of the temple town, with a major portion of its population, is situated within the “panchkosi parikrama” route.

On November 9, the Supreme Court had asked for allocation of five acres of land to Muslims to build a mosque as a compensation for the Babri Masjid . While the Sunni Waqf Board is yet to decide on whether to accept the alternative land, other Muslim parties have openly rejected the offer.

