Attack on Laxamananda Saraswati conspired: Hindu Jagran

Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 (UNI) The Orissa unit of the Hindu Jagaran Samukhya (HJS) today alleged that the attack on Swami Laxamananda Saraswati in Kandhmal was a ''conspiracy'' to kill him.

HJS Joint Oranising Secretary Basudev Barik said Swamiji was attacked because of his opposition to the conversion of Hindus to Christianity by the local Christian leaders in the area.

Mr Barik said World Vision, an NGO led by Congress MP Radhakanta Nayak was instigating the Christians against the Hindus and creating communal disharmony. Mr Nayak, however, dubbed the allegation as baseless and said he had never seen Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

He said on December 17, the Hindus opposed the Christians as they tried to install the statue of Jesus Christ in Brahamanigaon Durga Mandap by force. The matter was settled with the intervention of police.

But again on December 23, the Christians tried to forcefully occupy the Durgamandap and name the place after Jesus Christ.

When the Hindus opposed the move, they were beaten up, he alleged.

The next day, Swamiji was attacked while on his way to Brahamanigaon along with some of his followers.

Mr Barik also alleged that last night some people belonging to the Christian community damaged the Hanuman temple at Jalaspatta in Kotagada police station.

A boy from Bhrungijhudi under Phirngia police station was admitted to hospital in Phulbani after sustaining deep cut injuries in his leg following the attack by those belonging to Christian community.

One Prabhat Mallik, who was admitted to Barkhamma hospital following an attack by the Christians died last night, he said.

The HJS leader alleged that the Hindus were leaving their homes in Parakhama, Daringibadi,Pabinga, Phulbani, Rapanga and Nuapadar villages as they were feeling insecure.

The HJS urged the government to strictly implement the anti- conversion law and take strong action against those behind the Kandhmal communal clash to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.

UNI