Paramilitary forces surround Karsevakpuram

Paramilitary forces on Wednesday arrested 200 karsevaks and surrounded Karsevakpuram, Ayodhya, where the Vishwa Hindu Parishad plans to hold a massive rally on October 17.

The forces also staged a flag march through the main streets of Ayodhya while officials, including the district magistrate and superintendent of police, held a meeting to review the security arrangements.

A vigil was being maintained along the river routes to check infiltration of VHP workers from neighbouring areas, sources said.

Earlier, VHP leader Giriraj Kishore, the outfit's Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh [ Images ] in-charge Prabhu Narain Singh and some 1,000 activists, who were on their way to Ayodhya, were arrested in Lucknow [ Images ].

Giriraj Kishore and Singh were held after they addressed VHP workers at a rally.