Central force to be withdrawn from Kandhamal

The Centre has decided to withdraw all para-military forces from the riot-hit Kandhamal district by the end of this month,officials said on Wednesday. The decision to withdraw the force was taken by union home ministry despite Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s appeal to retain the force till all riot-victims nearly 2500 people still in relief camps return to villages after construction of their damaged houses.

Communal violence erupted in Kandhamal in the aftermath of VHP leader Laxmananda Saraswati’s killing on August 23,2008,claiming 43 lives,and it still remained a major problem for the state,DGP Manmohan Praharaj said.

There has been no incidence of violence in Kandhamal for over six months,but the possibility of major law and order problem could not be ruled out after complete withdrawal of the central force,Praharaj said,adding,the state police would take all steps to prevent return of violence in Kandhamal.

During peak of violence,as many as 53 companies (nearly 5300 personnel) of central force had been deployed in Kandhamal.

16 companies of state police including Orissa Special Armed Police,striking force and special police force comprising local tribals would replace the central force,he said.