Indian troops are being deployed Friday in riot-hit areas of the western state of Gujarat after sectarian violence killed more than 100 people since Wednesday.

The forces will try to maintain peace in several of the dozens of cities and towns where curfews have been put in effect. A number of people have been detained, while sporadic clashes were reported in some areas overnight. Hindu mobs set fire to Muslim businesses and homes Thursday in the state's commercial capital, Ahmadabad. At least 18 people, including women and children, were killed in a blaze at one housing complex. Local officials say the death toll could rise, once all bodies have been recovered.

Other Hindu mobs attacked Muslims in the town of Godhra, where the deadly violence broke out Wednesday when Muslim militants set fire to a train, killing 58 mostly Hindus activists.

AP
Rescue workers remove body of Hindu activist from burned-out rail car in Godhra, India

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has urged Hindus not to retaliate for the train attack, saying "Indian brotherhood must be protected at all cost." He is also calling on Hindu groups not to press ahead with their demand for the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Despite Mr. Vajpayee's plea, Hindu activists have vowed to begin construction on March 15, defying a court order that bans any construction at the site.

AP
Members of Hindu nationalist group Shiv Sena shout anti-Muslim slogans in New Delhi

Earlier, leaders of the World Hindu Council called for a nationwide strike for Friday, prompting security forces throughout India to brace for the possibility of more violence.

Meanwhile, India's Defense Minister George Fernandes travels to Gujarat later Friday to assess the situation.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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