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Ramdev to build 11,000 strong 'sena' to battle the police

Baba Ramdev on Wednesday again took up the issue of police crackdown on his supporters, saying he would set up a 11,000-strong force to deal with police and anti-social elements attempting to disrupt his anti-corruption movement.

"I appeal that 20 young men from every district should come here. We will train them in both shaashstra (vedas) and shastra (weapons)," Ramdev, who is continuing his movement against corruption, told his followers.

The yoga guru said, "We will prepare 11,000 men and women so that next time we do not lose any battle at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi".

'It is not for taking any lives'

However, he said that the sena will be raised only for self defence and not to harm anybody.

"The sena will safeguard themselves and other followers. It is not for taking any lives," Ramdev said.

Baba Ramdev had on Tuesday stuck a conciliatory tone, saying he "forgave" the prime minister for the crackdown on his agitation.

'PM has accepted his sin'

"The prime minister termed it (the police action) unfortunate. In a way he has accepted his sin. Since he has accepted his sin, I have forgiven him," Ramdev had said.

"I have personally forgiven him but the history of not only India but the whole world will never forgive him for the political sin he committed. He has tainted democracy," Ramdev had said.

The yoga guru is observing a fast from June 4 to press for various demands including bringing back black money from foreign nations, tougher anti-graft laws and uprooting corruption from the country.