Author: PTI
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: November 16, 2008
Undeterred by the un-seasonal rains, Sarigh
Parivar activists held a 'Sradhanjali' rally here on Saturday demanding immediate
arrest of the conspirators and culprits behind the killing of VHP leader Swami
Laxmanananda and threatened to observe a statewide bandh on Christmas if the
Government failed.
Several saffron leaders in their address at
the rally, held amidst tight security, also hit out at the Naveen Patnaik
Government accusing it of appeasing the minority and working under pressure
from both church and the UPA Government in dealing with Kandhamal violence.
Referring to allegations that Christmas last
year was dampened by violence by saffron outfits, they said, "Let there
be a state-wide bandh this time on December 25 to ensure a completely peaceful
Christmas." The rally attended by seers and saffron activists from across
the state and outside, was held with the permission of the BJD-BJP Government
despite the Centre's warning against such a gathering. Elaborate security
arrangements were made by the state Government and 40 platoons of police (about
1,200 personnel) were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. The Union
Home Ministry had cautioned the state Government through a letter that the
rally if allowed might create a law and order problem and affect restoration
of peace in Kandhamal. The Government had banned a rally by the Sangh Parivar
on September 6 fearing possible I breach of peace but apparently succumbed
to its partner, the BJP.
