Ayodhya: With just about a year left for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Bajrang Dal's 'self defence' camp in Ayodhya to impart training in weapons to saffron cadres has come under the scanner. Uttar Pradesh Police has registered a case under Indian Penal Code Sections 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) against Bajrang Dal activists for organising the camp.

The right wing outfit is training members to use rifles, swords and sticks.

Bajrang Dal activists claim that martial art and weapon training is needed as it could not rely on the police and politicians to protect the Hindu community from the alleged threat that they face.

Defending the move, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik had on Tuesday said, "This arms training is for the purpose of self defence. There should not be any objection from any quarter. The intention behind this exercise is what counts."

Seeking to allay apprehension on arms training camps, Naik had added, "Those who cannot defend themselves, cannot ultimately defend the country. There is nothing wrong if some youngsters are getting arms training purely for self defence".

But opposition parties attacked the BJP and its associated organisation accusing them of raising communal tensions in the state.

"What is happening at the camp in Ayodhya is wrong. It is criminal to do such things. It was wrong for the governor to support them and I am glad that action is being taken," NCP leader Majeed Memon said.

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