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Ayodhya: Stepping up security ahead of Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) October 17 Mass Awareness Campaign in Ayodhya, for construction of Ram Temple, the district administration on October 12 sealed all entry points and diverted trains coming to Ayodhya and Faizabad to prevent gathering of Karsevaks even as the saffron outfit began preparations for its programme.

The borders of the district have been sealed, entry of heavy vehicles banned and a number of checkposts erected to effectively control the entry of people, official sources said.

The Ahmedabad-Faizabad Sabarmati Express passing through the district has been terminated at Lucknow, Howrah-Dehra Dun express diverted via Sultanpur and three other trains cancelled by Northern Railway till further notice.

Personnel of Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and PAC have already been deployed in strength at Hanumangarhi, Ram Janambhoomi complex, Kanak Bhavan Temple, the borders and other areas of the district where prohibitory orders are in force till this month end in view of the VHP programme.

District Magistrate Deepak Kumar said there was no restriction on entry of common people to the Temple city and they were being allowed after thorough checking.

Only roadway buses were being allowed to enter Faizabad, Divisional Commissioner J P Sharma said.

Meanwhile, preparations were on at VHP's headquarters here at Karsevakpuram for religious sermons by Dharmacharyas beginning on October 13. A massive pandal was erected for the meeting of Ram Bhakts at Naya Ghat which, VHP media in-charge Sharad Sharma said, could be used as an alternative for the October 17 programme.

PTI