Indian PM lays foundation stone of new temple at razed mosque site

India Temple Dispute

Hindus have rejoiced as Indian prime minister Narendra Modi broke ground on a long-awaited temple of their most revered god Ram at the site of a demolished 16th century mosque.

Mr Modi offered prayers to nine stone blocks with “lord Ram” inscribed on them amid chanting of Hindu religious hymns to symbolise the start of construction of the temple in the northern city of Ayodhya, which is expected to take three and a half years.