High security in Kandhamal due to VHP programme

Phulbani (Odisha), Aug 23 (PTI) The communallysensitive Kandhamal district was today put under high securityblanket as the members of the VHP assembled there to observethe death anniversary of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati, whosekilling had sparked a large scale riot in the area in 2008. In the memorial meeting presided over by the VHPdistrict unit president Kamadab Pradhan and attended by manyothers including Saraswati’s successor Swami SachidanandaMaharaj criticised the Odisha govenrment for not arresting allthose involved in the killing. At least 44 persons were killed, about 4,800 housesburnt or damaged leaving about 20,000 people homeless duringthe riot that broke out immediately after Saraswati’s killingon the night of Janmastami (August 23, 2008). The riotcontinued for about a fortnight. The district administration made elborate securityarrangement by deploying 21 platoons (1 plattoon comprises 30personnel) of armed forces in addition to two companies ofCRPF and other security forces. Besides the district headquarters of Phulbani, forceshave been mobilised at Chakapad, Jalespeta and othervulnerable places, Arjun Barik DSP said. PTI CORR AAMMD