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Saturday, 7 September, 2002, 14:13 GMT 15:13 UK
Gujarat gears up for Hindu march
Mass-funeral for Gujarat riot victims
Hundreds died in anti-Muslim rioting in February

Tight security arrangements have been made in the western Indian state of Gujarat ahead of a march planned by the state's governing Bharatiya Janata Party.

Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi: Will lead parade
Billed as a celebration of Gujarat's achievements, the Gaurav Yatra chariot procession, is due to begin on Sunday.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi would lead the parade.

At least 2,000 policemen have been deployed in the temple town of Phagvel in the central district of Kheda from where the procession starts.

The march follows serious religious violence in Gujarat earlier this year in which at least 1,000 people died.

March route

There was no tension in the state ahead of the parade, the authorities said.

The march is due to cover a 153 km route on Sunday.

Indian policemen
There are fears the march could inflame tensions
It will culminate in a public rally at Himmatnagar in the district of Sabarkantha.

On Monday, the parade will pass through a longer route.

The march has been planned to project a positive image of Gujarat and the ruling BJP, said the organisers.

The procession was originally planned for July- but was put off amid fears that it might trigger a resurgence of the religious violence that erupted earlier this year

The state government was forced to postpone the programme once again, this time by four days, when the opposition Congress Party announced a parallel march.

Gujarat conflict in-depth

Key vote

Tense state

Background

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TALKING POINT
See also:

12 Jul 02 | South Asia
03 Jul 02 | South Asia
08 May 02 | South Asia
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