Bhojshala controversy in MP:
Security tightened in Dhar

Prohibitory orders were clamped on the town and security tightened around the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Moula mosque on Tuesday in view of the Hindu Jagran Manch's threat to enter the complex around noon, police said.

The HJM is objecting to the Bhojshala being thrown open to Hindus only once a year on the occasion of Vasant Panchami while Muslims are allowed to offer prayers every Friday.

HJM leaders had on Monday told reporters that they will not withdraw their agitation as requested by the district administration, which has called an all-party meeting on the directions of the state government to discuss the vexed issue.

HJM coordinator Radheshyam Yadav said they had given sufficient time to the authorities to open the locks of the Bhojshala and termed the government move to call an all-party meeting as 'misleading'.

Some time back, Union Tourism and Culture minister Jagmohan had sought the views of the state government on the law and order situation in case the Archaeological Survey of India lifts its restrictions on the entry to the Bhojshala.

Inspector General of Police V M Kanwar told PTI that prohibitory orders, which were imposed by the district administration on Monday within a radius of 300 metres of the Bhojshala, were extended to the entire town in view of the HJM agitation.

Nearly 1,000 armed policemen had been deployed in the town, and if needed, additional force will be pressed into service. The administration is ensuring that people do not gather near the restricted area, he added.