Central forces' deployment in Kandhamal extended

Bhubaneswar, July 4 : Conceding Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's demand, the central government has extended the deployment of its paramilitary forces for two more weeks in the state's Kandhamal district, which witnessed communal riots last year, an official said here Saturday.

The central government had Wednesday withdrawn from the region four companies of central paramilitary forces - the last of the central forces posted there to maintain peace.

However, Patnaik had Thursday demanded that the troops be redeployed. The next day, the centre informed the state government that the forces will extend their stay for two more weeks.

"The forces will remain deployed till July 13," Inspector General of Police Arun Sarangi told IANS.

At least 4,000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were deployed in the district, some 200 km from here, in the aftermath of the communal violence that erupted following the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides Aug 23 last year.

At least 38 people were killed and over 25,000 Christians forced to flee after their houses were attacked by mobs in the aftermath of the attack on Saraswati.

Although no communal violence has been reported from the region since October last year, Nearly 1,200 people are still living in three government-run relief camps.

The central government had directed the state government earlier this year to initiate withdrawal of the paramilitary forces in phases.

Patnaik had apprised home minister P. Chidambaram about the need for keeping the central forces in the region during the latter's visit to the state June 25 and 26.

On Thursday, the chief minister expressed surprise that they were withdrawn a few days after Chidambaram's visit.

Meanwhile, the judicial commission probing the communal violence submitted an interim report of 28 pages to the state government.

Although the report submitted Wednesday has not yet been made public, the commission headed by Justice S.C. Mohapatra is believed to have suggested that the state government take several measures to prevent further violence in the region.

--IANS