More paramilitary forces sought before election: Kandhamal

More paramilitary forces are sought in Orissa's Kandhamal district, as fear looms large over the security of Christians during the forthcoming general elections.

"We have informed the State government that we need about 12 additional companies of central paramilitary forces during the elections," district collector Krishan Kumar told IANS.

Kumar feared a renewal of violence in the region which was up in flames since last year August following the murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

While unable to contain the mob who went on a rampage killing dozens of Christians, the govt had dispatched 40 companies of central paramilitary forces which was later reduced to 19 companies in the region.

Although there has been no violence in the region since October, Kumar said the administration wants more CRPF forces deployed till the elections.

Meanwhile, the official also conceded that incidents of forcible re-conversions were rampant in the state.

The administration, according to Kumar, had received 68 complaints during September and October. The victims in their complaints alleged of being threatened if unwilling to convert from Christianity to Hinduism.

"We have taken actions in all such cases. Some arrests were also made. There have been no fresh complaints since October," Kumar said.

The peaceful district of Kandhamal first witnessed violence on Christians on December 2007.

Kandhas and Panas are the principal inhabitants of Kandhamal district, which has a population of about 6.5 lakh people. Panas who form at least 19 per cent of the population are mostly SCs who converted to Christianity.