VHP: EU group's visit could trigger fresh violence

With an EU delegation slated to travel Kandhamal between Feb. 2 and 5, a right-wing Hindu group is vying to thwart the visit otherwise what it says would trigger fresh violence.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) general secretary Gouri Prasad Brahma told media persons that the proposed visit must be blocked and the government must withdraw the permission granted.

A 10-member European Union group led by deputy chief of mission in the Spanish embassy Ramon Moreno will be touring the riot-hit district to interact with the victims of violence and review measures taken by the government for the resettlement of the homeless.

"The visit of EU delegation would only spark off fresh tension . It is the responsibility of our government to deal with the problem. There is no business for outsiders in the internal matter of the state," said Brahma.

He maintained that normalcy has returned to the district after the violence in the aftermath of Swami Laxmananda's murder.

Although the Orissa state government initially was reluctant to permit the EU delegation, later a decision was taken after the intervention of the Centre.

The group was to visit Kandhamal on Jan. 27. However, at the final hour the Orissa government had de-authorized the visit by denying permission "for any fact-finding mission".