Dhar (MP): Traffic was disrupted and shops remained closed at various parts of the city on February 19 as part of the bandh called by Hindu organisations to protest "high handedness of the district administration" during the Hindu Jagran Manch (HJM) agitation, demanding opening of the locks of the disputed Bhojshala on February 18.

However, no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the district, police said adding that prohibitory orders were in force in the district and a large number of police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.

The bandh has been jointly called by HJM, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allied organisations.

At Dedla village, a motorcycle belonging to a policeman was damaged by the protestors, official sources said.

Police had foiled an attempt by HJM activists on February 18 to force their way into the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Moula mosque premises and arrested over 150 people. Prohibitory orders were imposed after a large crowd of HJM activists pelted stones at police and indulged in arson, forcing police to 'lathicharge' and fire teargas shells.

Meanwhile, the district administration has also called for an all-party meeting on February 19 as directed by the state government, following a letter from the Union Tourism and Culture Minister to discuss the vexed issue.

However, HJM and other allied organisations have decided not to attend the meeting. BJP Dhar unit 'mahamantri' Sharad Vijaywargiya said the party has not received any invitation from the district administration in this regard.

PTI