VHP activists stage Rasta Roko, agitation turns violent

Mumbai, Jul 3 (UNI) Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today staged 'Rasta Roko' at several places in the city to protest against revocation of the land allotment to Sri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Supporting the day-long nation wide 'bandh' on the issue for which the BJP had given the call, scores of VHP activists were on the streets and held 'Chaka Jam' at several places including Santacruz, Borivali and Dahisar areas in western suburb, according to police control room sources here.

In other parts of the city, few shops and business establishment had pulled down the shutters. No untoward incident had been reported in the city, police said.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in city to avoid violence, the sources added.

BJP's ally Shiv Sena has extended moral support to the 'Bandh'.

However, Thane police said incidents of stone pelting by VHP members were reported from various parts of the city including Naupada, Wagle Estate, among the others. Three VHP activists were arrested in connection with the protest at Naupada.

Since morning, the activists wandered in Thane city holding flags and forced business establishments to down shutters. In some places they placed blockades to avoid transportation. They were aggressive while staging their agitation.

Incidents of stone pelting were also reported from Kalyan, Dombivili and other parts of the district.

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