Orissa Bandh today, Praveen Togadia to visit Kandhamal

The Orissa Bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, RSS, Bajarang Dal and BJP has been a complete success with normal life coming to a standstill in all parts of the state. Not a single area of the state was left behind and the Bandh call received overwhelming response even from the common people. Both passion and emotion are high in the state after the gruesome murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

Violent incidents reported from Kandhmal, where the communal passion is on a all-time high. Several churches, Christian Missionary institutions, government vehicles and some buses were torched in Baliguda, Talasara and other parts of Kandhamal. After the supension of Kandhmal SP Nikhil Kanodia, Southern Range DIG R P Coche has been given the charge of Kandhamal. Additional security forces are being deployed in various parts of Kandhamal and curfew is in force. According to latest reports, at least three people have been detained for questioning in connection with this case.

Unlike the past, the protesters started blocking the roads, burnt tyres and blocked all highways in the wee hours on Monday. There is no traffic movement at all and all shops and business establishments have been closed. In a precautionary measure, the state government had yesterday issued an order to close all schools and colleges in the state on Monday. A high alert has been issued in the state and security personnel were instructed to stay alert.

Meanwhile, senior VHP leader Praveen Togadia arrived in Bhubaneswar today. He is scheduled to attend Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's funeral. Other Sangh Parivar leaders Indresh Kumar (RSS), Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, Sant Ramvilas Vedanti, Y Raghbalu, Yashpal Singh will also attend the funeral of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. Swamiji will be cremated at Chakapad Ashram.