Phulbani Tense, More forces Deployed

Tension escalated further in Orissa's Phulbani district, as local Hindus clashed with Christians over the attack on VHP leader Swami Laxamananda Saraswati near Daringibadi village. According to reports, a group of people belonging to Christian community attacked Swami Laxamananda Saraswati while he was on his way to perform a yagna in a village where majority Christians wanted to celebrate Christmas in a grand way.

The VHP called a four-hour shutdown in many parts of the state. Large-scale violence and arson were reported from Phulbani, Baliguda, Daringibai and other parts. The state government has deployed additional 600 policemen in the troubled areas to prevent any untoward incident. Indefinite curfew has been imposed in Brahmanigaon, Baliguda, Daringibadi and Phulbani.