VHP`s `panch-kosi parikrama` begins today, high alert in UP

Zee Media Bureau

Faizabad: Vishwa Hindu Parishad`s (VHP) `panch-kosi parikrama` begins on Monday even as the prohibitory orders imposed by the Uttar Pradesh government remains in force in the district and the surrounding areas. According to reports, the `panch-kosi parikrama` was slated to begin from Sunday but it was delayed due to `yagna` at Karsevakpuram in Ayodhya. Hindu organisation VHP`s `84 Kosi Yatra` had earlier created a big political storm in this part of the country with the Opposition parties blaming both the Samajwadi party and the BJP of a match-fixing and attempting to polarise the electorate on communal lines in Uttar Pradesh. Today`s yatra is meant to promote the demand for a grand Ram Mandir at the disputed site. On Sunday, VHP activists remained confined to their local headquarters at Karsewkpuram. According to the reports, the VHP leaders and `sadhus`, who were expected to arrive on Saturday to start the `parikrama` from Sunday, didn`t reach Karsewakpuram. However, Faizabad administrations remained busy throughout the day guarding the `parikrama` route specially the minority-dominated pockets, and the areas of mixed populations adjacent to `yatra` route. The administration was cautious and on high-alert keeping in view the Muzaffarnagar riots. Talking to reporters, Faizabad Superintendent of Police Ram Sewak Gautam told that the security forces are on high-alert and their aim is to maintain communal harmony and peace. With Agency inputs