Orissa CPM demands ban on Shradhanjali Yatra

Bhubaneswar, Sep 5 (UNI) Orissa unit of the CPI(M) today demanded that the state government initiate steps to ban the Shradhanjali yatra proposed to be organised on September 7 on the 16th day of the slain Swami Laxamanand Saraswati as a part of hindu ritual.

State Party Committee Secretary Janaradan Pati told newspersons here that the sole purpose behind the yatra, despite the Supreme Court order, is to spread the ''riot, confined to certain pockets, till now to the whole state.'' Mr Pati apprehended that if the yatra was allowed it would create law and order problem and the government would be held responsible for the consequences.

He said the Left parties would hold demonstrations across the state on September 7 to restore communal peace and harmony.

The CPI(M) leader criticised Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil for keeping mum on the divisive forces spreading violence in Kandhamal. The Home Minister, he said, instead of making any comment gave a clean chit to these forces.

UNI BD-DP KK PK HS2043