VHP,Shiv Sena alter Feb. 27 plan
The Panchmahals unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Shiv Sena have chalked out plans to pay homage to victims of Godhra carnage on February 27, anniversary of the ghastly incident that sparked off worst riots in the state.

Interestingly, the Shiv Sena functionaries decided to hold Ram Dhun in front of the fateful S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express lying in the rail yard of the Godhra railway station. But the programme was cancelled after intervention of Government Railway police and Godhra town police.

The Shiv Sena will now hold its programme near the church whereas the VHP has decided to hold its function at Lalbaug.

Speaking to The Asian Age, sena’s Panchmahals district convener Anand Ghadiyali claimed that more than 2,000 persons are expected to take part in the shraddhanjali samaroh. He said, "It is true that we (Shiv Sena) are new in this region but we already have gathered a lot of support from the local residents. The local residents, various organisations and shopkeepers have agreed to make the bandh call successful."

Shiv Sena functionaries in a press statement stated that there are some criminals involved in the crime who are still at large. After their arrest all the criminals in the case should be given death sentence.

VHP Panchmahals unit president Rakesh Thakor said, "We have given a bandh call on February 27 to pay homage to the karsevaks. We would also organise shanti yagna and shanti paath for the souls of the kar sevaks."

The Panchmahals police is gearing up to keep the situation under control on February 27. Panchmahals police chief Narsimha Komar said, "We already have three companies of paramilitary forces. In addition to that we have State Reserve Police personnel and local police force." Prohibitory orders have already been issued for February 27 barring public meetings without prior permission. Police points have already been set up at sensitive areas like Polan Bazaar and Jahurpura market.

Republished from The Asian Age