Kandhmal clash,State Communal Harmony Committee to meet on Jan 9

Bhubaneswar, Jan 4 (UNI) A meeting of the state level communal harmony committee would be convened on January nine in a bid to restore peace, amity and harmony among different communities in the strife torn Kandhamal district.

A decision in this regard was taken at a high level review meeting presided over by Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to take stern action against those who were involved in the communal clash irrespective of their religion and caste affiliation.

Mr Patnaik stressed the need for activating the peace committees more effectively to restore normalcy between the two communities.

He directed the Kandhamal district collector to convene peace committee meetings from Pachayat to district level to this purpose.

Mr Patnaik also directed the officials to complete the damage assessment exercise by tomorrow as after receiving its report, a rehabilitation package would be prepared for the affected people.

UNI BD DP PB MSJ KP2247