By IANS
Bhubaneswar : The Orissa government Friday lifted the ban imposed on the entry of leaders of political parties and religious groups into the riot-hit Kandhamal district where communal violence killed at least three people last month.
The state government had barred the entry of political and religious leaders and social activists to the district, some 200 km from here on Jan 4 after communal clashes erupted on Christmas Eve last year.
“Since the situation has returned to normal, they (political and religious leaders) can visit the region now,” a top official of the state home department told IANS.
At least three people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between scheduled caste Panas – most of whom are Christians – and scheduled tribe Kandhas who are Hindus in this tribal dominated district.
The state government has clamped a night curfew in some parts of the district and deployed more than 1,500 policemen, including three companies of paramilitary forces.
“Paramilitary forces will remain deployed in the district for some more days, and the night curfew will also continue for some more days,” the official added.
Earlier this week, the state government had deputed a three-member police team headed by Additional Director General of Police Prakash Mishra to probe the violence.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday visited the affected areas for the third time.
The chief minister visited Brahmani Gaon, met the riot-affected families and promised all possible help.