After clamping down on its yatra on the Ayodhya issue, the Uttar Pradesh government today banned VHP's proposed 'Sankalp Diwas' stir onOctober 18 to press for a parliamentary legislation on building Ram Temple, fearing a communal flare-up.

The decision was taken in view of security concerns, especially after the recent communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and surrounding areas, officials said. IG (Law and Order) R K Vishkarma said elaborate security arrangements are being made to effectively implement the ban.