Orissa CM offers tribute to VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati
1 Sep 2008, 1112 Hrs

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Jalsapeta (Orissa), Sep 1 (ANI): Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has offered floral tribute to VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati, who was killed by a mob recently. Patnaik visited a religious home established by Swami Lakshmananda at Jalsapeta village in Kandhamal district on Sunday, where he and four others were killed by a group of 30 heavily armed men.

Patnaik said the Central Government has assured more forces to quell communal clashes.

"I spoke to the Union Home Minister and asked him to send ten companies of force. I have been informed that the situation in Jeypore of Koraput district is now under control. Forces have been sent there and more forces will be sent to Jeypore town," he said.

The Orissa Government has directed all districts to take immediate precautionary measures to protect minority institutions.

According to the State Home Secretary, the government has requisitioned ten more companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to strengthen law and order in the state.

He said eleven companies of Central para-military force and three companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) have already been deployed in Kandhamal district. (ANI)