By IANS,
Bhubaneswar, Aug 8 (IANS) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad will hold a silent protest on Janmastami, Aug 13, in memory of its leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati who was killed last year by alleged Maoists, a VHP leader said here Saturday.
The VHP will hold protest meetings here as well as in Kandhamal district, which witnessed large-sclae communal violence after the Aug 23 killing of Swami Laxmanananda and four of his associates.
It will also hold prayer meetings at Jaleshpeta Ashram where the religious leader was killed and Chakapad, where his body was cremated.
“We would hold week-long activities to mark his sacrifice,” VHP Orissa state general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said.
He also criticised the state government for falling to nab all the killers and conspirators behind the murder.
“It was shocking and unfortunate that a year after the brutal murder, police officials are still clueless,” he added.
As many as 38 people were killed in the violence in Kandhamal. Last month, a man and his wife, both members of the banned Communist Part of India (Maoist) surrendered before police and admitted to the killing.