Vajpayee plans Gujarat visit

Inter-communal violence has continued in the western Indian state of Gujarat, just days before a proposed visit by the Indian prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee - his first since the riots began in February.

More than 700 people have been killed in the violence.

Officials in the main city of Ahmedabad said 50 buildings were set ablaze during street clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups on Sunday.

At least nine people have been killed in the state since Saturday.

Curfews are in force in several areas and paramilitary police are patrolling the streets.

In neighbouring Maharashtra state, where seven people are now reported to have died, the authorities have ordered a judicial inquiry into the violence.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service