Ayodhya, Oct 11: Section 144 has been imposed in Faizabad district, banning large gatherings. Paramilitary forces have been deployed and all entry points to Ayodhya are being checked. The prohibitory orders were clamped in view of the Sena`s programme as well as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad`s proposed Ayodhya march on October 17. About 1,500 Shiv Sena activists were arrested while trying to proceed towards the venue of their proposed Ram Bhakt Sammelan at Ayodhya today.

Shiv Sena MPs Chandrakant Khere and Shivaji Mane and the party`s Uttar Pradesh unit chief Vijay Tiwari were among 100 party activists who were arrested on Friday for apprehension of "breach of peace."

They were allegedly shouting slogans demanding permission for a meet and trying to breach the heavy security cordon.

Khere and Mane were arrested at Ram Snehi Ghat, 90 km from Lucknow, on their way to Ayodhya. People are being allowed inside Ayodhya only after proper security drills and identification. The local administration has also banned the carrying of arms, explosives, sticks and tridents.

The Sena had sought authorities` permission to hold a meeting but it was refused by the Faizabad district administration.
The administration has clamped prohibitory orders in the entire district till October 31.

Bureau Report