BJP supports Orissa bandh to protest VHP leader murder

Bubaneswar, Aug 24 (UNI) BJP today announced its support to Orissa bandh tomorrow, being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to protest the killing of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati at Jalespata Ashram last night.

Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, the founder of Chakapada Ashram at Phulbani, was shot dead by some unidentified assailants at his ashram on the Kalahandi-Phulbani border last night.

Condemning the murder, party spokesperson Samir Mohanty said the failure of the authorities to provide security to the Swamiji despite a threat to his life has shocked all. The murder was barbaric and inhuman, he added.

The Orissa government today ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed tomorrow as a precautionary measure in view of the bandh.

Orissa Minority Forum president Swarupananda Patra also condemened the killing. He appealed to the governments at the Centre and the state to take step to reduce tension in affected areas and discourage attempts to malign the minorities.

UNI BD PC RP AS1643