Many temples attacked in Orissa, claims VHP

Mumbai, Jan 7 (UNI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad today expressed concern over the ''increasing attack on Hindu temples in Orissa''.

''Many Hindu temples have been attacked and many Hindus have been injured in the violence between Hindus and Christians,'' VHP General Secretary Venkatesh Abdev claimed at a press conference here today.

Mr Abdev claimed that many Hindus got affected in the violence in Orissa in the last couple of months, which had not been reported.

''Only the attacks on Christians are being highlighted,'' he alleged.

According to him, a 30-year-old man Khameshwar Malik of Marakhamba district was stoned to death but was never reported in the media.

Mr Abdev said that in the last few months, people living in and around Kandhamal district in Orissa have been opposing the government's decision to include ''Kui'' caste in the reserved category which had led to Hindu-Christian clashes.

Mr Abdev welcomed Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's decision for a judicial probe into the clashes instead of a CBI inquiry.

Meanwhile, speaking on the Ram Sethu issue, he said, ''The fight has reached the end and will see the devotees of Lord Rama come out triumphant.'' ''If the Government does not change its decision to cancel the project, then it will have to pay the price,'' he warned.

UNI JN MAZ PK KN1910