Kandhmal violence; Naveen warns of strict action

Bhubaneswar, Aug 27 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said strict action will be taken against all those taking law into their own hands as nine people were killed in various incidents following the murder of Swami Laxmananada Saraswati and four others on August 23 last.

Making a statement in the Assembly on the situation in Kandmal, Mr Patnaik said although the situation was under control, sporadic incidents of violence have been reported from Kandhmal, Sundargarh, Rayagada and Gajapati districts.

He said one Gayadhar Digal from Kasimpadar village under Phiringia Police Station was killed this morning taking the total toll to nine.

The Chief Minister said curfew was in force in Phulbani town, Baliguda, Tumudibandh, Barakhama, Raikia, G Udayagiri, Daringibadi and Tikabali while prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC is in force throughout Kandhmal.

Mr Patnaik said the state government has requisitioned four battalions of central para military force adding that so far only three companies of Rapid Action Force have arrived and another six companies of CRPF are expected to arrive.

He said the Chief Secretary and the Home Secretary are in close touch with the Union Home Ministry for deployment of additional para military force.

So far 70 criminal cases have been registered throughout the state and 54 people have been arrested in connection with the violence across the state.

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