Kandhamal peaceful on VHP leader’s death anniversary

Over 2,000 security personnel,including the CRPF,Orissa Special Strike Force,Special Operations Group,Orissa State Armed Police and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force have been deployed,while the district administration has refused permission to rallies and dharnas.

“People observed the day at their villages instead of participating in a silent rally proposed by VHP,” the DGP said.

The VHP observed the anniversary as ‘Sacrifice Day’ in the district.

People who felt insecure were asked to take shelter in camps,he said.

Maoist posters warning certain Hindu leaders to refrain from observing Saraswati’s death anniversary were seen at Tumudibandh,Daringbadi and Kotgarh areas of the district.

The DGP said “We suspect it to be handiwork of anti-socials and not Maoists.”

“We have seized some threatening posters. It is suspected to be the work of mischief mongers,” said Raikia Police station in-charge officer R N Barik.

Saraswati’s followers held yagnas and took out kalas processions at Jalespeta and Chakapada ashrams. The turnout,however,was low because of Maoist threats.

Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Archbishop Raphael Cheenath told reporters in Bhubaneswar,”though there was no incident of violence in Kandhamal,Christians are living in fear.”

Hoping that the Janmastami would be peaceful,Cheenath said he was satisfied with the security arrangements made by the government.

The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor M C Bhandare stating that though chief minister Naveen Patnaik had given written assurance to nab the conspirators and killers of Saraswati,nothing has been done.

The VHP also staged a silent dharna before Raj Bhavan.

State VHP secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said “many Hindus were killed,but no effort was made to apprehend and punish the culprits.

He alleged that while government assistance was given to riot-hit people of a particular community,no such provision was made for Hindus.

Claiming that religious conversion was a major factor behind the riots,he demanded proper implementation of the existing Orissa Freedom of Religion Act.