LK Advani's intervention saved Christmas in Orissa

Thanks to LK Advani for his importunate intervention to call off the Dec. 25 shutdown in Orissa.

Apparently, the timely interference has politics on behind. News sources claim, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was afraid of losing control over the state, which is run by a coalition government.

As elections draw close, the Sangh Parivar feared of losing key ally Biju Janata Dal (BJD) who was re-considering its rapport, as intense pressure was laid on the state govt. and the Chief Naveen Patnaik for failing to curb the violence.

Advani, the senior most BJP leader reportedly sent his trusted aide, journalist Chandan Mitra, to meet Naveen and the parivar outfits. The fact that Mitra was picked to negotiate instead of a regular BJP politician shows how impatient the BJD leadership had grown under the intense parivar pressure, a source said.

"An outsider is of great help when passions are running high between the two parties," a BJP leader explained.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had also reportedly spoken to Advani, requesting him to intervene, as a bandh would send a wrong message across the state and rest of the country, the source said.

Advani recently made headlines when he challenged Christians to "come out for an open debate on conversions".

"We are ready for a debate on conversion, but let there be a peaceful atmosphere first. Mr Advani should also be ready for a debate on the freedom of religion in the country. The debate should be held in Parliament and all existing statutory forums," responded John Dayal, secretary-general of All India Christian Council.

They also dared Advani to discuss the activities of the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Despite Advani's neutral attitude, Church leaders attribute most of the attacks on Christians for the weak leadership and for the institutionalizing of 'Hindu India' by Sangh Parivar groups.

Meanwhile, the state government has dispatched more Central Para-Military forces to the riot-hit Kandhamal. Security measures have been taken to permit Christians celebrate a peaceful Christmas on Dec. 25.

"We have kept a close watch on roads, outside churches and increased night patrolling ensuring that no expense is spared for a peaceful Christmas," Deputy Inspector General (Southern Police Range) RP Koche said.

Roads connecting Baliguda, Tumulibandha, Barkhama, Paburia, Sirtiguda, Simanbadi, Daringbadi, Saranggada, Tikabali, Telangapadar, G Udaygiri, Kalinga, Raikia, Chakapada and Charichhaka have been sealed.

"We may have violence. We have sought three companies of the Rapid Action Forces (RAF) and two units of the ODRAF (Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force)," district collector Krishan Kumar said.

"We don't want to take any chance. We have organised more than 150 peace rallies across the district and have intensified patrolling on the roads. Every vehicle coming to the district is being checked," said Kumar.

"We are also identifying possible trouble-makers on the basis of intelligence inputs and asking them to give in writing that they will not create any disturbance," he added.