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Basant Rawat
AHWA (Dangs), Dec 28: As the wave of violence that had hit this tribal district appeared to have subsided today, Ahwa district president of the Hindu Dharmajagran Manch Janubhai Pawar was arrested in the morning and the Congress was denied permission for its planned rally during the day.
The arrest of Pawar is significant because, in addition to his HDM post, he is also a member of the peace committee set up yesterday. ``The HDM has nothing to do with the attacks and we are not responsible,'' he told Express Newsline.
While Pawar is in custody, district BJP president Ramesh Chaudhary alias Drona and district VHP president Pratap Patil are absconding, fearing arrest, as both have been named in police complaints.
The Congress's plans of staging a rally in Ahwa came to nought when the authorities refused permission, saying such an action would fan tensions. The Congress, which was to hand over a memorandum to the collector, did however hold a public meeting at the Ahwa Check post.
While no untoward incident was reported from the district during the day, four incidents occurred late last night. A prayer hall was damaged at Mul Chaudh, 7 km from here, at Baardal, 50 km from here, Baripada, 15 kms from here, and Pahan Khadwal, 40 kms from here.
At Mul Chaudh, Christian residents said they were not being allowed to use the local well. Mohanbhai Parmar, a resident, said: ``We have not been allowed to take water from the well since this morning''.
The police sought to put a calming spin on the situation. DSP Rajendra Gaikwad said ``People need not fear as the police will take action against those who take the law in their hands''.
However, district CNI church superintendent T V Gaikwad claimed there had been threats to life and property in many villages even after the peace meeting. ``The villagers of Zhari, Harpada, Ahirpada, Vadiyen Ven and Nakutat have been threatened late last night''.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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