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Trains to Ayodhya to resume on Saturday

Under intense pressure for lifting restrictions in Ayodhya, the government on Friday announced restoration of train services to Ayodhya from Saturday and easing of other curbs with immediate effect.

The train services were snapped on March one to prevent arrival of karsevaks in Ayodhya.

Minister of State for Home I D Swami, who made an on-the-spot-assessment of the situation during his day-long visit to Ayodhya, announced this after meeting prominent saints, Ram Janambhoomi Trust convenor Ramchandra Das Paramhans and the authorities on Friday.

"Train services to Ayodhya will be resumed from Saturday with some modifications," Swami, said, who visited the disputed site, Karsevakpuram and Ramsevakpuram (camps set up for karsevaks) and the workshop where shilas (carved stones) are being prepared.

He said that the Railway authorities have already been directed to resume train services. Swami said the decisions had been taken in view of complaints of inconvenience caused to ordinary pilgrims.

Swami, however, asserted that the government would ensure there is no build-up of karsevaks in the city.

Stating that the restrictions and checks had become necessary because of the current 'internal security situation', he said, "Terrorists wanted to strike in the holy city having congregation of people. The searches are aimed at averting that situation."

He added, "The government will ensure the security arrangements are not misunderstood and common people are not put to inconvenience. There are complaints that ordinary pilgrims, not karsevaks, are not able to come to Ayodhya."

Asked whether the easing of restrictions would not lead to greater flow of karsevaks, Swami said the government 'will take due measures' not to allow that.

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