British group faces protest from Hindutwa workers

Gwalior, Sep 24 (UNI) A 39-member British group, currently on India visit to pay homage to their ancestors killed in the 1857 uprising against the British rule, faced protest from Hindutwa workers here today.

The protestors, including Hindu Mahasabha and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad workers, were detained by police while trying to enter a Taj group hotel waving black flags and they were let off after the foreigners left the hotel.

The British group, including 19 women, was taken to the railway station in two buses under tight police security on their way to Lucknow by the Gwalior-Barauni- Chhapra express. The group is scheduled to reach Lucknow tonight.

The group, which reached here on Saturday via Delhi and Agra, visited Gwalior fort, Scindia museum, Municipal Corporation museum and other monuments. Under police escort, they also visited the Morar graveyard, where many Britishers were buried.

According to police sources, the British group also proceeded to Jhansi yesterday, but returned midway due to road blockade at Dabra.

On their return, they visited historical monuments, including the statue of then Jhansi ruler Rani Laxmibai, who was killed fighting the British in 1858.

Police said though the British group visited the grave of their ancestors, it was a solemn event and they did nothing to antagonise the Hindutwa workers. Tight security arrangements were made at the hotel where they stayed and at all places they visited, police added.

Meanwhile, Hindu Mahasabha workers led by Dr Jayvir Bharadwaj today carried out purification ceremony washing the statue of Rani Laxmibai with 'Gangajal' symbolising cleaning of a desecrated place.

UNI