Date:25/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/25/stories/2008122555461000.htm

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Centre asks Orissa to maintain law and order

Special Correspondent

Chidambaram offers Naveen Patnaik assistance, if needed

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday impressed upon the Orissa government to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of all sections of the people in the State following apprehension by minority community members over their safety and those of their places of worship.

There was a call for a “bandh” on Thursday by a number of organisations that had demanded the arrest of persons involved in the killing of Swami Lakhmananda Saraswati.

Besides member of the community who expressed apprehension about their safety, some organisations representing tribal communities also put forward certain demands.

Responding to the situation, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram spoke to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on two occasions, including on Wednesday, an official release said. He said the situation in Orissa had been engaging the attention of the Centre in the last two weeks.

The State government reported that it had arrested 7 persons suspected in the murder and had also been able to persuade the organisations concerned to withdraw their call for a bandh.

“The Chief Minister has also assured me that there will be no bandh on December 25,” the Home Minister said. He requested Mr. Patnaik to keep him informed about the developments and offered him further assistance, if required.

Maintain peace

Mr. Chidambaram appealed to the people of Orissa to maintain peace and harmony among different communities. “Christmas is celebrated in many countries of the world, including India, as a day of joy, happiness and peace. I am confident that the government of Orissa will ensure that December 25, 2008 and the days following will be marked by peace and harmony,” he said.

The Centre, the release said, has provided a large number of security personnel to assist the State government in maintaining law and order. Apart from 24 companies of Central Reserve Police Force deployed on a long-term basis, the Centre sent an additional 49 companies of CRPF and 4 companies of the Rapid Action Force.

On Wednesday, the Centre provided the State a helicopter for patrolling over Kandhamahal and Sambhalpur districts.