Date:16/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/16/stories/2008091651320300.htm

Other States - Orissa

Statute change likely

Bhubaneswar: The State Government on Monday said religious conversion was one of the factors behind the unrest in Kandhamal district and promised to change the State’s law relating to religious freedom.

“Religious conversion is certainly an issue in Kandhamal. We will deeply study the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act and make changes where required,” State Home Secretary T K Mishra said after a review meeting. Kandhamal experienced riots after the killing of VHP leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four others. PTI