Security tight in riot-hit Kandhamal

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September 24, 2008 16:09 IST

A day after a tribal man was killed following police firing in Orissa's riot-hit Kandhamal, security was tightened and patrolling intensified in the district on Wednesday to prevent further flare up.

As the incident at Raikia triggered fresh tension in the strife-torn district, curfew and prohibitory orders under section 144 were enforced strictly in at least nine sensitive places, official sources said.

Security personnel, including men from the Rapid Action Force, were deployed in strength at Raikia, where a mob comprising mainly women and tribals had attacked a police station demanding the lifting of the curfew and release of some tribals who had been arrested.

A tribal, identified as B Pradhan, was killed and about 32 others were injured in the ensuing clash between the protesters and security personnel during the police firing.

The demonstrators also alleged that innocent tribals in the strife-torn district were being harassed.

In a new development, inmates of a relief camp at Udaygiri have started a hunger strike alleging failure on the part of the administration in restoring peace and normalcy in the district, which has been witnessing riots and disturbances since the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23.

They sought the Prime Minister's intervention for restoration of normalcy and alleged that they were being forced to return to their villages though the situation still remained tense.

The inmates also accused the officials of not visiting the relief camps.
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