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MP government scuttles VHP yatra again

President K R Narayanan's intervention was today sought after the Madhya Pradesh government once again prevented the Goa-Delhi rathyatra called to protest against the visit of Pope John Paul II to India next month.

The yatra, which was stalled as soon as it entered Jhabua district yesterday, resumed this morning from Ratlam, but had barely covered a few kilometres when the state administration stopped it again, fearing disturbances to law and order.

The Sanskriti Raksha Manch, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad affiliate spearheading the march, told a press conference that in view of the 'adamant' attitude of the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, a memorandum had been sent to the President to intervene immediately in the matter.

It urged Narayanan to use his office and ensure that the yatra is allowed to continue.

The convenor of the Manch, Major General V S Joglekar, told reporters that it was for the Madhya Pradesh government to explain how the yatra, which was peaceful during its 1,400 km journey, suddenly became a threat to peace after entering the state.

He said the five people forming part of the yatra from Goa were arrested along with hundreds of locals yesterday and released on bail only late in the night.

This morning, the yatris decided to skip Jhabua and restart the journey from Ratlam, but their attempt was foiled by an 'adamant' administration which arrested them once again, he added.

UNI

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