Central advisory to Orissa govt, additional forces sent

New Delhi, Sep 1 (UNI) Concerned over the attacks on Christians in Kandhamal district of Orissa, the Centre has sent an advisory to the state government and rushed additional central forces to contain the communal violence.

The Home Ministry has sent 33 companies of para military forces to Orissa, of which ten companies have been sent today. These are in addition to the para military forces deployed in the state for anti-naxal operations, an official spokeman said here.

Meanwhile, an advisory has been sent to the state government suggesting measures required to be taken to check the violence against Christians in Orissa.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta has spoken to the Chief Secretary of Orissa and the Ministry is constantly monitoring the situation in the state.

The violence had erupted after the August 23 murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmananand Saraswati by unknown gunmen in impoverished Kandhamal district. As many as 16 people had been killed in the anti-christian riots since then.

About 200 people had been arrested in connection with the riots and 13,000 others took shelter under police guard in seven camps in Kandhamal. Thousands of others had also fled to the jungles after their homes, churches and prayer halls were torched.

UNI AJ ATI AS1918