Protests in Kandhamal after ban on VHP leader's visit

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday held protests to deplore the ban on VHP leader Praveen Togadia's visit to Orissa's Kandhamal.

On Friday night, Togadia was arrested along with several other Sangh Parivar leaders near Charichhak in Boudh district as they tried to head to Kandhamal, which witnessed widespread violence against Christians in 2008.

Togadia's arrest triggered protests in several parts of Orissa as well as in the capital Delhi where protestors holding placards and banners condemned the ban and accused the Orissa Government of being biased.

The arrested, including Orissa BJP vice-president Ashok Sahu and State Bajrang Dal chief Subash Chohan, were however released early Saturday on personal bonds.

According to media sources, many business establishments remained closed in Phulbani, Raikia, Baliguda and G.Udaygiri and VHP activists were seen blocking government offices and banks.

Elaborate security measures were taken at sensitive pockets to prevent any untoward incidents during the 12-hour bandh.

"Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will be held responsible if communal tension arises in Kandhamal and other parts of the state over the government's whimisical decision," a statement issued by the state BJP said.

Kandhamal Collector Krishan Kumar said the administration had taken the decision in view of the volatile situation in the district after the 2008 riots.

Togadia was booked under Section 151 of the CrPc to prevent breach of peace in the area.