Phulbani(Orissa), August 13: Over 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in riot-scarred Kandhamal in connection with the first death anniversary of VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati whose killing had sparked a communal frenzy in the Maoist-infested Orissa district last year.
Sangh Parivar outfits like the VHP and RSS have decided to observe it as ‘Sacrifice Day’. “Religious functions were being organised at two ashrams at Jalespeta and Chakapada on the occasion,” VHP State secretary Gouri Kumar Rath said on Wednesday, adding the programmes will be peaceful.
Director General of Police (DGP) Manmohan Praharaj, who along with senior police officers reviewed situation in the communally-fragile Kandhamal, told reporters on Wednesday that as many as 52 platoons (30 personnel) of security personnel were deployed across the district.
Besides one company of CRPF jawans, nine platoons of personnel belonging to Orissa Special Striking Force (OSSF) comprising ex-army men and an equal number of jawans of India Reserve Battalion (IRB), 18 platoons of special police officers (SPOs) and jawans of Orissa Special Armed Police (OSAP) were also deployed.
“Nine units of ODRAF (Orissa disaster rapid action force) members were also deployed in Kandhamal for clearing road blockades if the miscreants fell trees on road,” the DGP said.
The VHP leader 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 administration has taken steps to open shelters at sensitive pockets for people, who feel afraid of staying at their villages, the DGP said.
Some pockets under Raikia, Tumudibandha and Daringbadi blocks were identified as sensitive places, where special security arrangements have been made.
–PTI