Agra, Dec. 7 : Taj Mahal, the historical monument of love in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh, has been one of the major tourist attractions not just for the domestic or foreign tourists but also for any world leader visiting India for the first time.

Over the years, the 17th century built Taj Mahal has witnessed a threat to its beauty from rising pollution. Environmentalists and others have expressed serious concerns about the Taj Mahal’s beauty getting affected by rising pollution-level on several occasions.

Lucknow/New Delhi, Dec 6 : Muslims of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh observed ''Black Day'' on the 16th anniversary of the demolition of Babri mosque.

Some of the members from the community gathered at a local mosque to give vent to their anguish over the demolition, which happened in 1992.

The main dome of the mosque was mast with a black flag and the forecourt reverberated with the feelings of the speakers.

Lucknow, Dec 6 : As a mark of protest against the Mumbai terror attacks, Muslims here have decided to tone down celebrations on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Muslim organizations and bodies have urged the Muslims to observe Eid-ul-Azha that falls on December 9 this year.

Denouncing the Mumbai attacks, the Muslim clerics have asked people to take part in sermons ahead of the festive prayer offerings.

Ayodhya (UP), Dec 5 : Security has been beefed up in Ayodhya ahead of the 16th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque.

Special security has been provided at all the railway stations, bus stations, markets and other crowded places. The government has issued instructions to all districts of the State for stepping up their security measures and intensifying police patrolling.

"Security has been beefed up to avoid any untoward incident on the anniversary of the mosque demolition," said Sharad Chandra Pandey, Circle Officer, Ayodhya.

"We want to ensure that December 6 passes off peacefully. Keeping this is mind we have made strict security arrangements," he added.

Dispur/Ghaziabad (UP), Dec 5 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a National Security Guards (NSG) hub in Guwahati to efficiently tackle terror.

While addressing a press conference here last evening, Gogoi said that existing laws are not enough. The need of the hour is to have more harsh and stringent laws to tackle terror threats in the country.

"The Prime Minister has gone for hubs of NSG in different places. We want a similar hub in Guwahati and training facilities also. We have to train our people in a similar way," said Tarun.

Meanwhile in Ghaziabad, police personnel have tightened security measures by ascertaining the bona-fide credentials of occupants in hotels and also passengers at railway stations.

Shatrughan, a self-styled area commander and a top Naxal was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Belach village of Sonbhadra district of UP.

Shatrughan was carrying a reward of Rs 20,000 on his head. He was shot dead during an operation by police and Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel last night, Superintendent of Police Ramkumar said.

A revolver, a double barrel gun and cartridges were recovered from his possession. Some of Shatrughan's associates, however escaped.