Orissas Khandamal District remains tense for fifth consecutive day

Orissas Khandamal District continued to remain tense for the fifth consecutive day with stray incidents of violence taking place on Friday.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 28 : Orissa's Khandamal District continued to remain tense for the fifth consecutive day with stray incidents of violence taking place on Friday.

At least three people have reportedly been killed in the police firing, when the latter tried to control the situation that went out of control due to clashes between Hindus and Christians. While officials have admitted that firing took place, the killings have not been confirmed.

Centre has sent more troops to communal violence-hit area and curfew continued in most of the places.

The Christian dominated Brahmanigaon village, about 200 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar, continued to be the main trouble area, police said.

The worst hit areas were Brahmanigaon, Barkhama and Nuagaon areas in the district.

Residents in violence-hit areas of Khandamal District are living in constant fear.

"We are scared and fear that we might be attacked again. Restrictions have been imposed on us. The government should take some measures to restore peace. We are not feeling secure at all," said Kailas Diggal, a resident of Bujulimundi Village.

The government today decided to order a judicial inquiry into the incident of communal violence.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who visited the riot-torn area on Thursday to take stock of the situation, said government would soon name a judge for conducting the probe.

Meanwhile, Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Padmanabha Behera resigned owning "moral responsibility" for the communal violence.

Over a dozen churches and prayer houses in Khandamal District have been torched since Hindus and Christians clashed over Christmas celebrations on December 24.

The violence was sparked off on Monday when Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists led mobs burnt down churches.

ANI