Bhubaneswar: Disagreeing with Union Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal about the condition in riot-hit Kandhamal district, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today claimed that the situation there was under control. Jaiswal after meeting the chief minister and senior government officials had said the situation in Kandhamal was yet to be controlled even after three days since the violence erupted over Swami Laxmananada Saraswati's killing.
Admitting that violence had spread to other districts like Sundargarh, Gajapati and Rayagada, Patnaik said a total 9 people were killed in various incidents in the aftermath of the murder of Laxmanananda. "So far 70 criminal cases have been registred throughout the state and 54 persons have been arrested," he said making a statement in the assembly.
Patnaik said that one person named Gayadhar Digal of Kasimpadar village under Phiringia police station in Kandhamal district was reportedly killed this morning. Curfew is in force in Phulbani, Baliguda, Tumudibandha, Barakhama, Raikia, G Udaygiri, Daringbadi and Tikabali towns while prohibitory orders under Section 144 of Cr PC is in force across Kandhamal district.
In a bid to tackle the situation, the government has requisitioned four batalions of central paramilitary force. "So far only three companies of Rapid Action Force have reached the state. Six more companies of CRPF are expected to arrive soon," Patnaik said. Appealing to the people to maintain peace, Patnaik said strict action would be taken against all those who take law into their hands. (PTI)
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