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This is an archive article published on June 1, 2002

Ayodhya fortified for VHP’s yagna

The temple towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad have turned into a virtual fortress in the run-up to the VHP’s Poornahooti Mahayagna on June 2...

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The temple towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad have turned into a virtual fortress in the run-up to the VHP’s Poornahooti Mahayagna on June 2. The twin cities are literally under the siege of gun-toting policemen. The sound of temple bells have given way to the march of security personnel.

Yesterday, police and para-military forces staged a flag march in the two towns to instil confidence among the people. Some forty PAC companies, four RAF companies and a huge posse of police personnel have been posted to maintain peace, police sources said.

Metal detectors have been installed at Hanuman Garhi crossing and vehicular traffic banned. Security checks are also being carried out at all entry points in the acquired land in view of terrorist threats, they said. Entry of all kinds of vehicles into Faizabad district will be banned from midnight of June 1, they said.

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In the wake of the VHP directive to some 10,000 devotees to reach Ayodhya for the cermony, Chief Minister Mayawati wants to leave nothing to chance. A Home Department official said that like during the March 15 Shila Daan ceremony, devotees will not be allowed to gather anywhere in large numbers.

Mayawati has ordered a special vigil in Muslim-dominated localities of Faizabad.

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