Ayodhya, Oct 17: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad tonight withdrew the Bharat bandh on October 19 called to protest detention of Ram bhakts across the country in the run up to its congregation that fizzled out here. The bandh has been called off keeping in view the coming Diwali festival, VHP media in-charge Sharad Sharma told news agencies.

He, however, said that VHP activists would go ahead with staging dharna and demonstrations across the country on October 19 to protest police "atrocities" on its activists.

Earlier in the day, VHP leader Ashok Singhal had given the call for the bandh.

Bureau Report