Kandhamal still on the edge

There was no let-up in violence in south Orissa's Kandhamal district today even though a large number of security personnel were deployed to defuse tension in the tribal-dominated district.

The chief minister Naveen Patnaik appealed the people of Kandhamal to maintain peace. Talking to the media, Patnaik said: "Effort is being made to maintain law and order. We have requested the Centre to send 10 additional companies of para-military forces to the state. Besides, more police personnel are being sent to the area."

While the tribals blocked roads in the district for the second day, the miscreants allegedly torched at least 50 houses and three churches at Badapanga village under Raikia block and Sikaketa village in Daringibadi block.

The road communication in Raikia-G.Udayagiri, Raikia-Tikabalai, Tikabali-Beerhampur and Daringibadi-Berhampur was disrupted due to the blockade.

The tribal people are agitated over the killing of at least five persons in Kutramagarh by security personnel on September 13 and another tribal at Raikia on September 23.

It may be noted that one police person was killed by tribals at Gochhapada on September 18.

"The situation in the district is volatile," said a senior officer.

The killing of senior VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and his four followers on August 23 had triggered widespread violence in Kandhamal district.

"We have deployed forces to maintain law and order in the district and the situation is likely to improve soon," said a senior police officer.

A team of Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) was pressed into service to clear the road blockades, he added.

MM Praharaj, director (Intelligence) reached Phulabani, the district headquarter.

The violence that has continued in the district for over a month has claimed the lives of about 50 persons, including two police persons.