Violence mars VHP-BJP bandh in Orissa

Two churches were damaged in Phulbani town and two police outposts were ransacked near Nuagaon, while churches and prayer halls were attacked in Baliguda, Barkhama, Tikabali and Udaigiri areas.

Activists accompanying body of the slain leader defied curfew and held processions passing through Phulbani town, attacking churches, houses and vehicles of one community, they said.

Tension ran high as two police personnel were injured while trying to prevent agitators from attacking churches after they entered the curfew-bound town instead of by-passing it, district Collector Krishan Kumar said.

In the state capital, saffron activists fanned out in large numbers in order to enforce the bandh and blocked important roads and intersections.

Road and rail traffic was paralysed while shops and business establishments remained closed across the state during the bandh, supported by the BJP, a coalition partner in the ruling combine.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to deal with the situation, police said.