Kandhamal still lamented by memories of violence

Kandhamal, Oct 25 : Life and economy of the people in Kandhamal have been affected due to communal violence that broke out in the region in August taking a toll of 35 and forcing 20,000 people to the refugee camps.

Violence has disrupted normal life, especially hitting hard the businessmen of the area. Traders and shopkeepers complain they are finding it difficult even to earn their livelihood.

"Our business is 90 per cent less as compared to before. Businessmen like me are surviving somehow, but the small traders are unable to make both ends meet. They cannot even afford meals twice a day," said Sushant Mallick, a shopkeeper.

Due to curfew being imposed very frequently, vegetable sellers said they had incurred a heavy loss too.

"We are not able to sell the vegetables we grow, because of curfew every where. Due to curfew, our vegetables are getting perished," said Sagar Beher, a vegetable seller.

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. By Sharada Lahangir

ANI