Dhar, Feb 18

Several activists of the Hindu Jagran Manch were injured and 100 arrested on Tuesday as police lathicharged and fired in the air to disperse the organisation's workers who attempted to storm the historic Bhojshala here.

Manch activists tried to enter the monument from three points. Stones pelted by them smashed the panes of a bus that ferried police personnel to the spot.

The monument was under a blanket of 'never-before' security as Rapid Action Force personnel formed part of a heavy force led by Inspector-General of Police (Indore Range) B M Kanwar.

A riot-control vehicle, equipped with a water cannon, was also part of the arrangements.

A confrontation has been brewing between the Hindu Jagran Manch and the district administration over the site. The Manch wants to "liberate" the Bhojshala, that dates back to 1064 AD and also houses a Muslim shrine.

At the crux of the dispute is a February 5, 1998, order of the Archaeological Survey of India. ASI director-general Ajay Shankar had directed the local administration to keep Bhojshala, a protected monument, closed except for Friday prayers and on every Basant Panchmi day.