By IANS,
Bhubaneswar: Authorities in Orissa’s Kandhamal district, which witnessed the state’s worst-ever communal riots after the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati last year, have beefed up security as the Hindu outfit is planning to hold a silent protest August 13.
Saraswati and four of his associates were shot dead, allegedly by Maoist rebels, Aug 23, 2008 – the day of Janmashtami festival. The festival falls on Aug 13 this year.
The state government has already decided to deploy an additional 12 platoons of Orissa State Armed Police (OSAP) in the area in view of the VHP’s protest march. District authorities have also set up peace committees at various levels to monitor the situation.
“We have peace committees at district level, sub-division level, block level and village level involving all communities to prevent any untoward situation,” district police chief Pravin Kumar said.
“It is not that we did not have peace committees earlier, but these are set up before any important events. Since this is an important date for us, these committees would give directions how the festival would be celebrated without any untoward incident,” he added.
Police have already stepped up patrolling throughout the district, and all the incoming vehicles are being thoroughly checked. Besides, special police officers from neighboring Rayagada and Gajapati districts have been brought to Kandhamal ahead of the Janmashtami festival.
The police are also planning to carry out preventive arrests if needed.