Date:25/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/25/stories/2008122555481000.htm

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Security tightened in Kandhamal

Special Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa government on Wednesday added force to its efforts to maintain peace and harmony during Christmas celebrations in Kandhamal district and other regions of the State.

The government became more active after Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram spoke to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and asked him to take necessary measure to ensure peace and harmony on Christmas and the days following.

Top police officials rushed to Kandhamal district where the authorities were apprehending trouble during the Christmas celebrations.

Additional forces were deployed at sensitive locations and the relief camps where more than 8,000 Christian families were living since the communal violence begun in August.

A helicopter sent by the Central government to keep vigil on sensitive pockets in Kandhamal and other districts having sizeable Christian population.