ARODYA, GUJARAT, INDIA

Three men were killed in fresh Hindu-Muslim clashes as mobs set shops on fire and attacked mosques in India's riot-torn Gujarat state in an explosive row over a demolished mosque, Indian police said.


On the other side, Indian security forces have virtually sealed off the flashpoint town of Ayodyha amid fears of further clashes between Hindus and Muslims on Friday. Hardline Hindus want to hold a prayer ceremony or "puja" on the site of a razed mosque. Paramilitary troops are out in force to ensure it does not take place. Roads into the city have been blocked and trains cancelled.

Across the country, police arrested tens of thousands of people to prevent a fresh outbreak of violence. Many of the detainees are supporters of the fundamentalist party, Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

In recent weeks more than 1000 people have died in attacks in the western state of Gujarat. Many Muslim victims were burned alive. Hindus claim the ruined mosque was built on the birthplace of their god, Ram. India's Supreme Court ruled there should be no religious activity in the area until a legal decision has been reached on whether the site belongs to Muslims or Hindus.