Day curfew re-imposed in Kandhmal

Bhubaneshwar, Oct 1 : A day curfew was re-imposed in nine police limits of Kandhmal district to curb violence.

The curfew was re-imposed a day after mob violence occurred in five villages under G. Udayagiri block. According to police official, the curfew will remain till 6:00 pm.

Meanwhile, 25 persons were arrested in connection with mob violence.

On Tuesday, at least three people were killed and several were injured when the police opened fire to disperse the violent mob in Kandhmal district.

The police opened fire when a 500-strong mob of women attacked the Raikia police station demanding release of two tribals arrested in connection with communal riots.

The region has been witnessing communal violence since August 23, when Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his aides were shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his Jalespata Ashram.

Many Hindu nationalists say they are determined to fight Christian missionaries accusing them of what they call '' forcibly converting'' Hindus to Christianity.

Meanwhile, Christian missionaries say lower-caste Hindus convert willingly to escape discrimination of the caste-system.

ANI