Dhar (MP): Prohibitory orders were clamped on the town and security tightened around the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Moula mosque on February 18 in view of the Hindu Jagran Manch (HJM) threat to enter the complex around noon, police said.

Inspector general of police V M Kanwar said prohibitory orders, which were imposed by the district administration on February 17 within a radius of 300 metres of the Bhojshala, were extended on February 18 to the entire town in view of the HJM agitation.

He said nearly 1,000 armed policemen had been deployed in the town, and if needed, additional force would be pressed into service.

The administration is ensuring that people do not gather near the restricted area, he added.

The HJM leaders had on February 17 told reporters that they will not withdraw their agitation as requested by the district administration, which has called an all-party meeting on the directions of the state government to discuss the vexed issue.

HJM co-ordinator Radheshyam Yadav said they had given sufficient time to the authorities to open the locks of the Bhojshala and termed the government move to call an all-party meeting as "misleading".

Union Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan had written to the state government asking it to send its views on the law and order situation in case the Archaeological Survey of India lifts its restrictions on the entry to the Bhojshala.

PTI