Uttar Pradesh steps up security in view of marches by BJP, VHP & Congress on July 26

Security has been tightened in the districts adjoining Moradabad in view of Vishwa Hindutva Parishad (VHP)'s proposed "Jalabhishek march", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s protest and Congress' "peace march" in Kanth area of Moradabad on July 26.

"The security has been tightened in and adjoining districts of Moradabad in view of the proposed Jalabhishek and peace march by the political parties," IG Law and Order Amrendra Sengar told reporters. About possibility of banning the programmes that could trigger tension in the area, Sengar said, no decision has yet been taken by the administration in this regard.

BJP has announced its plan to hold state-wide protests on July 26 seeking registration of FIR against Moradabad SSP for allegedly assaulting BJP workers in Kanth on July 4. Joining the fray, Congress has also announced its plan to hold a 'peace march' in Kanth on the very same day.

Clashes had erupted between BJP workers and the police in Kanth on July 4 over holding of a mahapanchayat called by the party to protest removal of a loudspeaker from a temple in Akbarpur village, which led to communal tension in the area.