The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday rounded up over 1100 Ayodhya-bound activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad across the state, even as the temple town was fortified with 100 companies of para-military forces to thwart the saffron outfit's October 17 rally.

Also see: VHP warns of violence if stopped

Nearly 450 people were picked up at the Ayodhya and Faizabad railway stations, 400 in Varanasi and 350 in Allahabad as authorities hinted at seeking the army's help if the situation so warranted.
 
Nearly 4,000 Ram bhakts, as the VHP calls them, are now under detention statewide.

Additional DGP (Law and Order) Bua Singh reviewed the security arrangements at a meeting with top officials of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Border Security Force.

Chief Secretary A P Singh said in Lucknow that the temple town is peaceful and all necessary steps are being taken to deal with any eventuality.

As authorities diverted trains and stopped buses to prevent Ram bhakts from heading towards Ayodhya, VHP organising secretary Rahgavulu told reporters in Allahabad that his organisation is determined to hold the October 17 meeting.