Security beefed up at churches in Orissa's Kandhamal district

Security has been beefed up in the communally sensitive district of Kandhamal where last year, August 23, the murder of a Hindu leader triggered violence on Christians.

"Although Hindu groups have already celebrated the anniversary of Swami Laxmananda, according to the Christian calendar, the anniversary date falls today and we have stepped up security," said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar.

Tight security arrangements have been put in place since August 13 as the VHP organised rallies across the state to mark the slaying of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

As many as 52 platoons (30 personnel) of security personnel were deployed across the district, specially outside churches, temples and other religious places.

They include one company of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) nine platoons each belonging to Orissa Special Striking Force (OSSF) and India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and 18 platoons each of Special Police Officers (SPOs) and Orissa Special Armed Police (OSAP).

Additionally, checkposts at various vulnerable points have been placed to check incoming vehicles. Besides checkposts, police forces will be mobilised through motorcycles and will keep vigil in civil clothes.

Saraswati and four others were gunned down allegedly by Maoists on Janmastami last year sparking widespread communal violence in Kandhamal and other parts of Orissa.

The leaders of the Christian community declared to observe August 23 as a Day for Peace and Harmony by holding peace rallies and prayer services.