Modi fast:6 activists arrested for planning parallel protest

Godhra, Jan 20: With Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi embarking on yet another 'Sadbhavana fast' for peace and harmony, both these were not present in his fast venue, when anti-Modi activists were arrested by police. Led by activist Shabnam Hashmi, she as well as five others were arrested for planning to hold a parallel 'sammelan' to Modi's fast.

In an effort to dim Modi's fast plans, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Shankarsingh Vaghela will carry out his own fast.

The fact that this fast is being organized at Godhra, brings back memories of the 2002 carnage that saw hundreds being victimized in the state. The fast today comes a month away from the 10th anniversary of Godhra carnage.

Modi's fast is expected to see a crowd of close to 50,000 people. Panchmahal SP Sachin Bhadshah has been quoted as saying, "Over 1,600 policemen have been deployed along with 50 specially trained Chetak commandos and other unarmed jawans across the town. Security has been tightened in every part of the town. Also, a three-layer security has been put in place at the fast venue."

Panchmahal district BJP president Jayprakash Patel speaking on Modi's plans said that as many as 10,000 people have registered themselves to fast along with the CM. More or less the same number of people have been shortlisted to greet him on stage.

On the tension that is feared in the event of Modi's fast, Patel said that all such news were rumours. He added, "Many programmes of the chief minister have taken place in Godhra after 2002 and nothing has happened. All talks about tension are hyped."

The Congress and other NGOs have stated that this was Modi's attempts at appeasement politics.

OneIndia News