Satara, September 11
The district administration has tightened security in the wake of VHP’s threat to demolish “illegal structures” near Mughal commander Afzal Khan’s tomb in Pratapgarh Fort here tomorrow, while the Shiv Sena and the Hindu Ekta Andolan have withdrawn from the agitation.
Addressing a press conference here today, District Collector S.B. Patil said the Sena and the Hindu Ekta Andolan (HEA) withdrew from the stir and had accepted the government’s proposal of turning the illegal structures near the tomb into ‘Shivakalin Vastu Sangrahalaya’ (museum belonging to the Shivaji’s era).
Mr Patil expressed regret that the VHP leaders had earlier agreed to the settlement but went back and made contrary statements in Pune yesterday.
“However, we are prepared in full strength and extra SRP force has been deployed in the area,” he said. The VHP has said that over 75,000 workers of the VHP and the Bajrang Dal would demolish the “illegal” structures around the tomb, situated at the base of the fort, as per the schedule on September 12.
The Bombay High Court has directed to maintain the status quo at the tomb till the further hearing of the case.
— UNI
