After striking a conciliatory tone, Baba Ramdev today again took up the issue of police crackdown on his supporters, saying he would raise an 11,000-strong force to deal with police and anti-social elements attempting to disrupt his anti-corruption movement.

"I appeal that 20 young men from every district should come here. We will train them in both shahstra (vedas) and shastra (weapons)," Ramdev, who is continuing his strike against corruption, told his followers here.

The yoga guru said, "We will prepare 11,000 men and women so that next time we do not lose any battle at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi".

However, he said that the Sena will be raised only for self defence and not to harm anybody.

"The sena will safeguard themselves and other followers. It is not for taking lives of anybody," Ramdev said.

Baba Ramdev had yesterday stuck a conciliatory tone, saying he "forgave" the Prime Minister for the crackdown on his agitation.

"The Prime Minister termed it (the police action) unfortunate. In a way he has accepted his sin. Since he has accepted his sin, I have forgiven him," Ramdev had said.

"I have personally forgiven him but the history of not only India but the whole world will never forgive him for the political sin he committed. He has tainted democracy," Ramdev had said.

The yoga guru is observing a fast from June 4 to press for his demands of bringing back black money from foreign nations, tougher anti-graft laws and to uproot corruption from the country.

Health deteriorates

Baba Ramdev's health has started deteriorating as his fast for tougher anti-graft laws and bringing back black money from foreign nations entered fifth day here today.

Doctors attending to the yoga guru have advised liquid intake and requested him to end his fast soon.

"His health is going down. He has lost weight and is suffering from dehydration. He is not keeping well," Chief Medical Officer, Haridwar Dr Yogesh Sharma said briefing mediapersons about Ramdev's regular check ups.

Sharma said, "We have requested that he should take liquid intake like milk and juices. It will be better if he ends his fast."

The yoga guru, along with hundreds of his disciples, is observing a fast from June 4 at Patanjali Yogapeeth, around 20 kms from here, to press for his demands of bringing back black money from foreign nations, tougher anti-graft laws and to uproot corruption from the country.

Earlier in the day, Ramdev did not show any sign of relentlessness and said that his fast will continue till Centre accepts all his demands.

"My fast is on along with thousands of my followers in each and every part of this country. People in 624 districts are on fast," he said.

He said, "I request children, old age people not to participate in the fast. Others should join this movement like many of their brethren."

Scores of Ramdev supporters are also participating in a day-long sit-in by social activist Anna Hazare demanding a strong anti-corruption Lokpal bill in New Delhi today.

Ramdev's followers continue to pour in from all over the country, raising anti-graft slogans, chanting holy songs and listening to sermons being given by religious leaders at the huge 'yagya shala' inside the Yogapeeth.

"We are with Baba till he ends his fast. There are many others who are also fasting along with him," said Lokesh, who has come from Haldwani near here to participate in the campaign.