Kandhamal Tense, Orissa on High Alert

Tension remained tense for the second consecutive day, after Bula Baba of Jalespatta Vanavasi Kalyam Ashrama, who is a disciple of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, was attacked by some converted Christian youth while he was protesting against the cow-slaughter in public. The Christian youth not only beat him up mercilessly, but also put the cow-blood on his body. They also broke his cell phone from which he was taking snaps of cow-slaughter. Bula Baba has been admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.

The incident occurred at Malipada near Tumudibandh. The incident triggered anger and tension in that area. Hindu activists belonging to VHP, RSS and Bajarang Dal damaged the Churches, houses of Christians in that area. They also beat up a Father of the Church and seized beef from his fridge. The security personnel were rushed in to maintain law and order. Section 144 was imposed in many areas of Kandhamal district. The situation is tense, but under control.

The VHP had called a 12-hour bandh in Kandhamal against the cow-slaughter and attack on Hindus. The bandh evoked huge response from the public. Shops, schools and banks were closed during the bandh and vehicles were off the road. The bandh affected Tumudibandha, Baliguda, Kotagarh, Raikia, G. Udaygiri and Phulbani. The VHP and other Hindu groups have threatened to intensify their agitation if the culprits are not brought into book immediately.