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TN, Kerala governments brace for Dec 6

As many as 1,700 people have been taken into preventive custody in the nine southern districts of Tamil Nadu in view of the sixth anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6.

In a statement in Madurai, Inspector General of Police (southern zone) D Manoharan said 7,500 personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the districts.

Fifteen more companies of the Tamil Nadu Special Police and four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force are being pressed into service.

Manoharan said 25 gelatine sticks, 500 detonators, and 4,000 metres of fuse wire were seized from a vehicle at Kanyakumari during a routine check. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

One person was arrested at Keelavalalu in Madurai district for possessing 10 gelatine sticks.

Manoharan said 77 mobile patrol vehicles have been deployed in the districts. Vulnerable areas like bus stands, hospitals, and places of worship have been provided security.

Meanwhile, 227 people were taken into custody in Cuddalore district.

In neighbouring Kerala too, the state government has directed the police to intensify its vigil.

Briefing newsmen after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Trivandrum today, Chief Minister E K Nayanar said there were reports that communal forces might create disturbances on Sunday.

He claimed that the government had made all arrangements to keep the peace. The police have been told to take "strong action" against anyone trying to incite violence.

UNI

Earlier Report: Muslim front activists arrested in Madras

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