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Over 300 Shiv Sainiks held on way to Gyanvapi
More than 300 Shiv Sainiks, including 35 women activists, were arrested from different parts of city when they were marching towards the sensitive Gyanvapi complex to perform ? jalabhishek? of Lord Shiva on Sunday. The arrested activists have been sent to the police lines. The district administration had restricted the entry of Shiv Sainiks to the complex in a procession in view of the security of the structure.
More than 300 Shiv Sainiks, including 35 women activists, were arrested from different parts of city when they were marching towards the sensitive Gyanvapi complex to perform ‘ jalabhishek’ of Lord Shiva on Sunday. The arrested activists have been sent to the police lines.
The district administration had restricted the entry of Shiv Sainiks to the complex in a procession in view of the security of the structure.The disputed structure at the sensitive Gyanvapi complex consists of a mosque and Shringar Gauri temple. The temple of Shringar Gauri is situated on the rear side of the disputed structure.
The Shiv Sena had long been demanding permission to perform worship at Shringar Gauri but the administration had not allowed this for the past several years, apprehending violence in the complex.
Today, as per their announcement, Shiv Sainiks started approaching the mosque in groups but the police and central security personnel foiled their attempt and they were arrested on the way.
District president of Shiv Sena Gulshan Kapoor and organising secretary Shiv Seth, along with other activists, were arrested at Chhatadwar - the entry point to the Gyanvapi complex.
Shiv Sainiks were also arrested from Bhelupur, Cantt, Dashashwamedh, Chowk and Ram Nagar areas. Around 35 women Sainiks led by Chandra Kala Devi were arrested from Pandeypur crossing while they were taking out a procession from the Kali temple in Nai Basti. As the procession reached Pandeypur crossing, the alert cops arrested them.
Since the morning, police and intelligence personnel had been activated to keep a close watch on the movements of Shiv Sainiks in the city so that they may not reach the sensitive complex.
