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Maharashtra bans religious processions on March 15

Maharashtra government has banned all religious processions on March 15, the day proposed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to hold bhoomi pujan in Ayodhya, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Tuesday.

"Stringent action will be initiated against those fomenting communal trouble," Bhujbal, who also holds home portfolio, said.

The state has sought more paramilitary forces from the Centre, he said, after presiding over a meeting of senior home department and police officials that reviewed law and order in the state in view of VHP's Ram Temple movement and communal violence in neighbouring Gujarat.

At least 1,740 VHP activists from Maharashtra have been prevented from proceeding towards Ayodhya following the Centre's directive in this regard, Bhujbal said.

Four teams of Rapid Action Force and 89 companies of State Reserve Police Force have been posted to prevent any untoward incident, he said.

He said that senior officials have been asked to remain stationed at their respective headquarters and leaves of police personnel have been cancelled.

Meetings of mohalla committee and prominent leaders of all communities were being organised to ensure peace, he added.

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