Ayodhya, Oct 14: With the clock ticking closer to VHP's proposed rally on October 17, the UP government has arrested over 1100 Ayodhya-bound activists of the saffron outfit even as it fortified the temple town deploying 60 companies of para-military forces. Nearly 450 people were picked up from trains at Ayodhya and Faizabad railway stations, 400 in Varanasi and 350 in Allahabad as authorities hinted at taking Army's help if the situation so warranted.
With the latest arrests, the number of karsevaks had been detained across the state stands at 4000.
State Chief Secretary A P Singh said in Lucknow the temple town was peaceful and all necessary steps were being taken to deal with any eventuality. He said status quo would be maintained at the disputed site as per directives of the high court.
As authorities diverted trains and stopped buses to prevent karsevaks from heading towards Ayodhya, VHP organising secretary Rahgavulu told reporters in Allahabad that his organisation was determined to hold the meeting on October 17 even if the entire state was converted into a jail. He said over one lakh people had already arrived in Ayodhya and its vicinity to make the meeting a success. Bureau Report