Indian police arrested two leaders of a hardline Hindu group today to prevent them leading a march in Gujarat state, scene of the worst violence between Hindus and Muslims in a decade earlier this year.
Pravin Togadia, general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Acharya Dharmendra were taken away by police outside a temple in Gujarat's main city Ahmedabad where hundreds of activists had gathered for the procession.
"They will be produced in court within 24 hours," a police officer said.
The independent election commission charged with holding elections in Gujarat next month had banned the march, saying it could reignite tensions with minority Muslims and affect the vote. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in a wave of revenge attacks in Gujarat after a suspected Muslim mob burnt alive 59 Hindu activists in a train in February.
Togadia, who had earlier vowed to proceed with the march aimed at awakening Hindu consciousness, asked followers to remain calm.
"This is not a fight against the administration or police. I appeal to you to be peaceful even if we are arrested," he said.