The much-publicized ‘Rath Yatra’ organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) entered the State yesterday from Kerala via Kottaivasal in Tirunelveli.

VHP has been conducting the ‘Rath Yatra’ in an apparent effort to urge the Centre and the Supreme Court to allow Hindus’ demand for construction of a Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya where the Babri Masjid stood once (till it was demolished by ‘Kar Sevaks’ on 06th December, 1992). The ‘Ram Rajya Rath Yatra’, which commenced from Uttar Pradesh some time back, had earlier passed through five States.

Despite opposition by almost all political parties to the ‘Rath Yatra’ entering the State, the District Collector, Tirunelveli allowed the ‘Yatra’ to enter the State through Kottaivasal. Curfew has been clamped in the District till 23rd March.

Even as the ‘Yatra’ entered the State, a few cadres of political outfits such as the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam and the SDPI protested at Sengottai, raising slogans against the Yatra. They were later arrested by the police.