Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)With the Supreme Court all set to hear the fresh affidavit, which was filed by the Centre on Ram Setu on March 5, Viswa Hindu Parishad on Monday, questioned the affidavit saying "it was a modified war against the whole Hindu community,"
"As Babur demolished Ram Mandir, Aurangjeb destroyed Kashi Biswanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh during the Muslim rule, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi jointly following the erstwhile Muslim fundamentalists to demolish the historic Ram Setu," VHP International secretary general Prabin Bhai Togadia said.
Speaking at a Press Conference here, Togadia said VHP would organise protest rallies in each districts of the country on Tuesday in protest against the Centre's fresh conspiracy to demolish the historic Ram Setu. Earlier, the Centre had come under heavy fire from all quarters for questioning the very existence of characters and events described in Ramayana saying, it was a mere work of fiction and there was no scientific evidence to prove that Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, was a manmade structure.
"It was not a fresh affidavit, in fact, the UPA has declared a war against the Hindu Community by pressing the fresh affidavit," Togadia said. Questioning the credibility of the Centre's fresh affidavit, Togadia said "As to why Union Ministry of Shipping filed the fresh affidavit, where as Union Culture Ministry was a respondent in the case," This shows double standard of the UPA Government, which was more worry for its south ally DMK, he added. He also opposed the budgetary provision of Rs 1,000 crore for the Muslims.
VHP would take all democratic means to defend the conspiracy of the Centre as well as the Tamil Nadu Government over the controversial Setu Samudram Shipping Canal Project on the Tamil Nadu Coast, he said.
While steering clear of the controversy it stirred by doubting the existence of Ramayan and its link with Ram Setu, the Centre has already sought SC's permission to resume dredging of the Setu, saying religions and faith could not dictate its policy decisions. Indirectly
hinting that linking Ram Setu to Ramayan was a matter of faith, the Centre laboured to clarify that matters of faith could not be the "basis and instrument" of State policy — that was to go ahead with the Sethusamudram channel project.
"If faith no criteria for Ram Setu, then why Supreme Court will decide the fate of Ram Mandir, Togadia asked. Objecting pro-defamatory
statements of UPA Government in order to satisfy the DMK to keep UPA intact, Togadia warned dire consequence with the Congress. "We have stood by our decision that Lord Ram not questionable and the Centre should refrain from hurting the sentiments of Hindus living across the globe,"
Viswa Hindu Parishad has announced to strongly oppose the State Government's move to provide various facilities to divorced Muslim
women. Togadia said the Orissa Government should avail such facilities for the divorce Hindu women. "It was very unfortunate move of the
State Government and VHP would strongly oppose it" he said. He strongly criticized the State Government's move to provide special
protection to divorce Muslim women and monthly pension. "If special protection and monthly pension for Muslim women, why the Government silent on Hindu women," he asked. Commenting on the Maoists' violence in Orissa, he said that the Maoists' have direct links with Pakistan based ISI and Nepal Maoists'. "The recent attack in Orissa an example of it," he added.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
VHP questions Centre's fresh affidavit on Ram Setu
Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)With the Supreme Court all set to hear the fresh affidavit, which was filed by the Centre on Ram Setu on March 5, Viswa Hindu Parishad on Monday, questioned the affidavit saying "it was a modified war against the whole Hindu community,"
"As Babur demolished Ram Mandir, Aurangjeb destroyed Kashi Biswanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh during the Muslim rule, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi jointly following the erstwhile Muslim fundamentalists to demolish the historic Ram Setu," VHP International secretary general Prabin Bhai Togadia said.
Speaking at a Press Conference here, Togadia said VHP would organise protest rallies in each districts of the country on Tuesday in protest against the Centre's fresh conspiracy to demolish the historic Ram Setu. Earlier, the Centre had come under heavy fire from all quarters for questioning the very existence of characters and events described in Ramayana saying, it was a mere work of fiction and there was no scientific evidence to prove that Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, was a manmade structure.
"It was not a fresh affidavit, in fact, the UPA has declared a war against the Hindu Community by pressing the fresh affidavit," Togadia said. Questioning the credibility of the Centre's fresh affidavit, Togadia said "As to why Union Ministry of Shipping filed the fresh affidavit, where as Union Culture Ministry was a respondent in the case," This shows double standard of the UPA Government, which was more worry for its south ally DMK, he added. He also opposed the budgetary provision of Rs 1,000 crore for the Muslims.
VHP would take all democratic means to defend the conspiracy of the Centre as well as the Tamil Nadu Government over the controversial Setu Samudram Shipping Canal Project on the Tamil Nadu Coast, he said.
While steering clear of the controversy it stirred by doubting the existence of Ramayan and its link with Ram Setu, the Centre has already sought SC's permission to resume dredging of the Setu, saying religions and faith could not dictate its policy decisions. Indirectly hinting that linking Ram Setu to Ramayan was a matter of faith, the Centre laboured to clarify that matters of faith could not be the "basis and instrument" of State policy — that was to go ahead with the Sethusamudram channel project.
"If faith no criteria for Ram Setu, then why Supreme Court will decide the fate of Ram Mandir, Togadia asked. Objecting pro-defamatory statements of UPA Government in order to satisfy the DMK to keep UPA intact, Togadia warned dire consequence with the Congress. "We have stood by our decision that Lord Ram not questionable and the Centre should refrain from hurting the sentiments of Hindus living across the globe,"
Viswa Hindu Parishad has announced to strongly oppose the State Government's move to provide various facilities to divorced Muslim women. Togadia said the Orissa Government should avail such facilities for the divorce Hindu women. "It was very unfortunate move of the State Government and VHP would strongly oppose it" he said. He strongly criticized the State Government's move to provide special protection to divorce Muslim women and monthly pension. "If special protection and monthly pension for Muslim women, why the Government silent on Hindu women," he asked. Commenting on the Maoists' violence in Orissa, he said that the Maoists' have direct links with Pakistan based ISI and Nepal Maoists'. "The recent attack in Orissa an example of it," he added.
"As Babur demolished Ram Mandir, Aurangjeb destroyed Kashi Biswanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh during the Muslim rule, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi jointly following the erstwhile Muslim fundamentalists to demolish the historic Ram Setu," VHP International secretary general Prabin Bhai Togadia said.
Speaking at a Press Conference here, Togadia said VHP would organise protest rallies in each districts of the country on Tuesday in protest against the Centre's fresh conspiracy to demolish the historic Ram Setu. Earlier, the Centre had come under heavy fire from all quarters for questioning the very existence of characters and events described in Ramayana saying, it was a mere work of fiction and there was no scientific evidence to prove that Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, was a manmade structure.
"It was not a fresh affidavit, in fact, the UPA has declared a war against the Hindu Community by pressing the fresh affidavit," Togadia said. Questioning the credibility of the Centre's fresh affidavit, Togadia said "As to why Union Ministry of Shipping filed the fresh affidavit, where as Union Culture Ministry was a respondent in the case," This shows double standard of the UPA Government, which was more worry for its south ally DMK, he added. He also opposed the budgetary provision of Rs 1,000 crore for the Muslims.
VHP would take all democratic means to defend the conspiracy of the Centre as well as the Tamil Nadu Government over the controversial Setu Samudram Shipping Canal Project on the Tamil Nadu Coast, he said.
While steering clear of the controversy it stirred by doubting the existence of Ramayan and its link with Ram Setu, the Centre has already sought SC's permission to resume dredging of the Setu, saying religions and faith could not dictate its policy decisions. Indirectly hinting that linking Ram Setu to Ramayan was a matter of faith, the Centre laboured to clarify that matters of faith could not be the "basis and instrument" of State policy — that was to go ahead with the Sethusamudram channel project.
"If faith no criteria for Ram Setu, then why Supreme Court will decide the fate of Ram Mandir, Togadia asked. Objecting pro-defamatory statements of UPA Government in order to satisfy the DMK to keep UPA intact, Togadia warned dire consequence with the Congress. "We have stood by our decision that Lord Ram not questionable and the Centre should refrain from hurting the sentiments of Hindus living across the globe,"
Viswa Hindu Parishad has announced to strongly oppose the State Government's move to provide various facilities to divorced Muslim women. Togadia said the Orissa Government should avail such facilities for the divorce Hindu women. "It was very unfortunate move of the State Government and VHP would strongly oppose it" he said. He strongly criticized the State Government's move to provide special protection to divorce Muslim women and monthly pension. "If special protection and monthly pension for Muslim women, why the Government silent on Hindu women," he asked. Commenting on the Maoists' violence in Orissa, he said that the Maoists' have direct links with Pakistan based ISI and Nepal Maoists'. "The recent attack in Orissa an example of it," he added.
Monday, March 03, 2008
VHP to organise rally in each district on March 4 --to defend Centre's conspiracy over Ram Setu
Bhubaneswar:(visakeo) With the Supreme Court all set to hear the fresh affidavit on Ram Setu on March 5, Viswa Hindu Parishad on Sunday announced to organise rally in each districts of the country to defend the conspiracy of the Centre as well as the Tamil Nadu Governmnet over the controversial Setu Samudram Shipping Canal Project on the Tamil Nadu Coast.
Speaking at Dharmarakhya programme by the State unit here at the IDCOL Auditorium, VHP International General Secretary Prabin Bhai Togadia said that rally and motor cycle rallies will be carried out in each district of the country in protest against the fresh move of the Centre as well as the Tamil Nadu Government.
While steering clear of the controversy it stirred by doubting the existence of Ramayan and its link with Ram Setu, the Centre has already sought SC's permission to resume dredging of the Setu, saying religions and faith could not dictate its policy decisions. Indirectly hinting that linking Ram Setu to Ramayan was a matter of faith, the Centre laboured to clarify that matters of faith could not be the "basis and instrument" of state policy — that was to go ahead with the Sethusamudram channel project.
Objecting such type of pro-defamatory statements to satisfy the DMK in order to keep UPA intact, Togadia warned dire consequence with the Congress " We have stand by our decision that Lord Ram not questionable and the Centre should refrain from hurting the sentiments of Hindus living across the globe,"
Dr Sailendra Nanda presided over the meeting while VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath, Bhubaneswar VHP president Bhaskar Tripathy, Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukha Arbinda Chouthawala, city secretary Pratap Sarangi, Bibhutananda Sutar and Pramod Dash were among those present.
Speaking at Dharmarakhya programme by the State unit here at the IDCOL Auditorium, VHP International General Secretary Prabin Bhai Togadia said that rally and motor cycle rallies will be carried out in each district of the country in protest against the fresh move of the Centre as well as the Tamil Nadu Government.
While steering clear of the controversy it stirred by doubting the existence of Ramayan and its link with Ram Setu, the Centre has already sought SC's permission to resume dredging of the Setu, saying religions and faith could not dictate its policy decisions. Indirectly hinting that linking Ram Setu to Ramayan was a matter of faith, the Centre laboured to clarify that matters of faith could not be the "basis and instrument" of state policy — that was to go ahead with the Sethusamudram channel project.
Objecting such type of pro-defamatory statements to satisfy the DMK in order to keep UPA intact, Togadia warned dire consequence with the Congress " We have stand by our decision that Lord Ram not questionable and the Centre should refrain from hurting the sentiments of Hindus living across the globe,"
Dr Sailendra Nanda presided over the meeting while VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath, Bhubaneswar VHP president Bhaskar Tripathy, Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukha Arbinda Chouthawala, city secretary Pratap Sarangi, Bibhutananda Sutar and Pramod Dash were among those present.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Vedanta holds talks with varsity opponents
Puri , (visakeo): Officials of the proposed Vedanta university Thursday held discussions with the Vedanta Virodhi Manch, the organisation that has been opposing the university project on various grounds.
The joint meeting, organised by the district administration, was chaired by revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) SN Sarangi.
Vice-president of the varsity project Ajit Kumar Samal announced that Vedanta would provide employment to all graduates of the area by the end of 2009 and run public schools to educate the students living in the villages coming under the project area.
Besides, it would operate door-to-door medical service for humans and for the livestocks in the area, he said.
Samal said job cards would be issued to all landless farmers who make out their livelihood by cultivating other's land. This apart, scholarships would be granted to the meritorious students with special care to the girl students, he added.
A number of schools and colleges would be established for capacity building of the students of the area and all primary schools would have the mid-day meal service, Samal said.
He further elaborated about various benefits those would be doled out to the affected populace and appealed them to co-operate with the execution of the project.
Leaders of Vedanta Virodhi Manch who participated in the meeting put several questions to Samal and replied that they would discuss all the proposals with the villagers before taking any decision over the offer.
A special survey of the temple land measuring over a thousand acres under the acquisition process for the project would be conducted within 10 days to ascertain the status, Sarangi instructed the revenue officers present in the meeting.
About 60 village leaders of Vedanta Virodhi Manch led by its president Benudhar Pradhan participated in the meeting.
The joint meeting, organised by the district administration, was chaired by revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) SN Sarangi.
Vice-president of the varsity project Ajit Kumar Samal announced that Vedanta would provide employment to all graduates of the area by the end of 2009 and run public schools to educate the students living in the villages coming under the project area.
Besides, it would operate door-to-door medical service for humans and for the livestocks in the area, he said.
Samal said job cards would be issued to all landless farmers who make out their livelihood by cultivating other's land. This apart, scholarships would be granted to the meritorious students with special care to the girl students, he added.
A number of schools and colleges would be established for capacity building of the students of the area and all primary schools would have the mid-day meal service, Samal said.
He further elaborated about various benefits those would be doled out to the affected populace and appealed them to co-operate with the execution of the project.
Leaders of Vedanta Virodhi Manch who participated in the meeting put several questions to Samal and replied that they would discuss all the proposals with the villagers before taking any decision over the offer.
A special survey of the temple land measuring over a thousand acres under the acquisition process for the project would be conducted within 10 days to ascertain the status, Sarangi instructed the revenue officers present in the meeting.
About 60 village leaders of Vedanta Virodhi Manch led by its president Benudhar Pradhan participated in the meeting.
District magistrate RR Pattnaik, Superintendent of Police Asit Kumar Panigrahi participated in the meeting.
The District Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Advisory Committee meeting would be held on March 4 to settle the outlines and modalities for rehabilitation of the villagers likely to be displaced from their villages coming under the project area, the RDC announced.
The District Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Advisory Committee meeting would be held on March 4 to settle the outlines and modalities for rehabilitation of the villagers likely to be displaced from their villages coming under the project area, the RDC announced.
Puri police gear up to detect Maoists
Puri (visakeo): The Puri police have geared up to detect any Maoist cadre infiltrating into the pilgrim and tourist city in the wake of Nayagarh incident. According to Superintendent of Police Asit Kumar Panigrahi, plain cloth policemen were deployed at strategic points to scan the suspicious persons entering into the city under the garb of pilgrim or tourists.
Recently, the sleuths rounded up three persons from the main entrance of the Sri Jagannath temple and booked them under Section 110 of the IPC and sent to the jail custody. Special contingents of police are engaged in patrolling in and around the city and the police stations in the periphery and were alerted to keep vigil on the strangers taking shelter in their areas.
The police strength was beefed up in the reserve police lines and in the police magazine besides in all the police stations to avert any eventuality. The police was keeping a close vigil on the movement of boats in Chilika Lake which borders Ganjam district with forest cover to fish out the suspected persons, the SP said.
This apart a drive is on to book the professional criminals. Recently, the administration has booked four anti-socials under the National Security Act. They were Ajay Bhoi, Madhab Dalei, Kalu and Bijay Swain.
"Measures were being taken to reign in the large scale misuse of loudspeakers and use of fire crackers in the dead of the night. The band party owners and the musical party operators were warned not to conduct any procession beyond the prescribed time limit of 10 pm," the SP informed. Besides these efforts were on to arrest the warrantees and curb the anti-socials making tourists their prey, he added.
Recently, the sleuths rounded up three persons from the main entrance of the Sri Jagannath temple and booked them under Section 110 of the IPC and sent to the jail custody. Special contingents of police are engaged in patrolling in and around the city and the police stations in the periphery and were alerted to keep vigil on the strangers taking shelter in their areas.
The police strength was beefed up in the reserve police lines and in the police magazine besides in all the police stations to avert any eventuality. The police was keeping a close vigil on the movement of boats in Chilika Lake which borders Ganjam district with forest cover to fish out the suspected persons, the SP said.
This apart a drive is on to book the professional criminals. Recently, the administration has booked four anti-socials under the National Security Act. They were Ajay Bhoi, Madhab Dalei, Kalu and Bijay Swain.
"Measures were being taken to reign in the large scale misuse of loudspeakers and use of fire crackers in the dead of the night. The band party owners and the musical party operators were warned not to conduct any procession beyond the prescribed time limit of 10 pm," the SP informed. Besides these efforts were on to arrest the warrantees and curb the anti-socials making tourists their prey, he added.
Orissa neglected in Rly Budget,say BJD, BJP MPs
Bhubaneswar (visakeo): While the BJP Yuva Morcha vehemently opposed the Railway Budget by organising rail-roko throughout the State for more than eight hours on Wednesday, BJD-BJP MPs staged a dharna in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the premises of Parliament.
The MPs alleged that while the Railways earned huge revenue from the State, it could not even spend one fourth of it for the growth of Railways in the State. The State contributes nearly Rs 6,000 crore to the Railways as revenue per annum. The Railway Authority earned the revenue mostly from transportation of coals and minerals.
In the Budget, the Railways even neglected the cause of the industrialisation process of Orissa. Most of the industrialised places have not come under the network. The most important rail connectivity from Kirtania to Dhamra has not been taken up. All the ongoing projects have only received a meagre amount for their completion.
During the agitation, the MPs raised slogans against the UPA Government and Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad in particular, for their stepmotherly attitude towards the cause of Orissa.
"We will continue to oppose the Railway Budget," said BJD MP Braja Kishore Tripathy, adding that the agitation against the UPA Government would be further intensified. While the State Government had demanded Rs 1,330 crore, only Rs 972 crore was earmarked for the development of rail network in the State.
BJD MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra said Orissa had been neglected by the UPA Government. "While the State requires fund for the growth of rail network in the State, it has only received half of it," Mohapatra said.
BJP MP Rudra Naryan Pani said while other States receive nearly Rs 1,900 crore, Orissa has not even got half of it. Among others who were present during the agitation included Arjun Sethi, Brahmananda Panda, Prasanna Acharya, Kharabela Swain, Sangita Singh Deo, Dharmendra Pradhan, Pramila Bohidar, Bhartuhari Mahatab and Prasanna Patsani
The MPs alleged that while the Railways earned huge revenue from the State, it could not even spend one fourth of it for the growth of Railways in the State. The State contributes nearly Rs 6,000 crore to the Railways as revenue per annum. The Railway Authority earned the revenue mostly from transportation of coals and minerals.
In the Budget, the Railways even neglected the cause of the industrialisation process of Orissa. Most of the industrialised places have not come under the network. The most important rail connectivity from Kirtania to Dhamra has not been taken up. All the ongoing projects have only received a meagre amount for their completion.
During the agitation, the MPs raised slogans against the UPA Government and Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad in particular, for their stepmotherly attitude towards the cause of Orissa.
"We will continue to oppose the Railway Budget," said BJD MP Braja Kishore Tripathy, adding that the agitation against the UPA Government would be further intensified. While the State Government had demanded Rs 1,330 crore, only Rs 972 crore was earmarked for the development of rail network in the State.
BJD MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra said Orissa had been neglected by the UPA Government. "While the State requires fund for the growth of rail network in the State, it has only received half of it," Mohapatra said.
BJP MP Rudra Naryan Pani said while other States receive nearly Rs 1,900 crore, Orissa has not even got half of it. Among others who were present during the agitation included Arjun Sethi, Brahmananda Panda, Prasanna Acharya, Kharabela Swain, Sangita Singh Deo, Dharmendra Pradhan, Pramila Bohidar, Bhartuhari Mahatab and Prasanna Patsani
Catch a thief, win reward
Bhubaneswar (visakeo): Rattled over the increasing criminal activities in the State, the police are now seeking public cooperation to keep the spiraling crime rate under check and community policing is the new mantra for the State's cops. As part of the initiative the police on Tuesday recognised the efforts of six youth of a village who's daredevilry helped the cops in getting hold of some armed miscreants who had looted a bank's transit van and looted Rs 8 lakh at gunpoint. The youths had chased the armed miscreants and nabbed them.
The police force is saddled with maintaining law and order, providing security to VIPs and VVIPs, crime detection along with routine policing. Without adequate infrastructure and skeletal personnel it has become nearly impossible for the police to keep a check on the dreaded criminals and their nefarious activities. No one knows this better than Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda. "Without public support, it's extremely thorny for the police to check the crime rate," said Nanda.
The number of policemen might be inadequate. But with community policing with the public cooperation it acts as a force multiplier. With information flowing from the public it becomes easier to keep a tab on the criminals and their activities. The awards for the youth might be negligible on monetary grounds but it would act as a moral booster for those who want to help the police, said a senior police officer.
Puri SP Asit Panigrahi on Tuesday felicitated the six youth of Bhiligram in Konark who had captured the bank dacoits on December 3, 2007. They were presented with bravery awards. The police awarded a sum of Rs 1,000 each to two youth while the other four were given a cash award of Rs 500 each. Panigrahi hoped that
The police force is saddled with maintaining law and order, providing security to VIPs and VVIPs, crime detection along with routine policing. Without adequate infrastructure and skeletal personnel it has become nearly impossible for the police to keep a check on the dreaded criminals and their nefarious activities. No one knows this better than Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda. "Without public support, it's extremely thorny for the police to check the crime rate," said Nanda.
The number of policemen might be inadequate. But with community policing with the public cooperation it acts as a force multiplier. With information flowing from the public it becomes easier to keep a tab on the criminals and their activities. The awards for the youth might be negligible on monetary grounds but it would act as a moral booster for those who want to help the police, said a senior police officer.
Puri SP Asit Panigrahi on Tuesday felicitated the six youth of Bhiligram in Konark who had captured the bank dacoits on December 3, 2007. They were presented with bravery awards. The police awarded a sum of Rs 1,000 each to two youth while the other four were given a cash award of Rs 500 each. Panigrahi hoped that
VHP threatens fresh agitation over Ram Setu issue
Bhubaneswar: (28/2)In the wake of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affair's approval to a new affidavit on Ram Setu, Viswa Hindu Parishad on Thursday threatened for a fresh State wide agitation in the State. As the Centre is seeking to lift the stay on the construction of the controversial project off the Tamil Nadu coastline, we have decided to again take to street over the issue, VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said. "We will wait till March 5, as the new affidavit will be filed in Supreme Court on the same day. If our concerns were not taken up, VHP would further step up its agitation," Rath said. He also stressed on the need to build the Ram temple at the same place in Ayodhya and said the VHP will not allow any shift from the original site to any other place. After the Navy chief, the Director-General of Coast Guards had expressed serious reservation on the viability of the controversial Sethusamudram project but the Centre is yet to take up the concern and more worry for DMK's political vendetta, Rath said. As, experts of different fields have already expressed concerns over the project, the government should file an affidavit immediately before the Supreme Court to save Ram Sethu," he said. Pointing out that the Navy chief and Coast Guard chief are the two final authorities, entrusted with the task of national security, Rath said the Government should scrap the project to ensure safety and security of the region and save the taxpayers' money.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
No 'Garib Rath' for Orissa
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)The Union Ministry of Railway has allocated Rs 972.34 crore for the development of Railways in Orissa in its Budget though the State Government had demanded Rs 1,330 crore.The funds will be used for construction of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling and electrification during 2008-09. Though Railway Minister Lalu Prasad proposed introduce 10 Garib Raths, no Garib Rath was introduced for Orissa. "Where is the Garib Rath," asked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his reaction.However, the Railway Ministry has introduced new four trains for the State. The new trains are Bhubaneshwar-Mumbai Express (bi-weekly) via Sambalpur, Puri-Darbhanga Weekly Express, Paradip-Bhubaneswar Express (daily) and Keonjhar -Puri Express (daily). Though the State Government demanded an increase in frequency of six trains, the Railway Ministry has agreed to increase the frequency of only two trains. The two trains are Rajdhani Express (2421/2422) from two days to three days and Baripada-Bhubaneswar (three days to six days). Railway Authority will take up survey works for Junagarha- Ambuguda, Khurda road- Raj Athgarh, Kanatabanjhi-Rajkhariar, Ambapani- Nawarangpur- Jeypore and Banspani- Barbil.In the Railway Budget, Rs 242.43 crore has been allocated for the completion of the ongoing projects. But this amount is not enough to complete the projects. No emphasis has been given to expedite the rail projects in the industrial belt. Rs 20 crore has been allotted for Daitari-Bansapni, Rs 35 crore for Lanjigarh Road- Junagarh, Rs 32.43 crore for Khurda Road- Balangir, Rs 80 crore for Haridaspur-Paradip, Rs 60 crore for Angul- Duburi- Sukinda Road, Rs 10 crore for Talcher- Bimlagarh and Rs 5 crore for the Koraput- Rayagada project. Rs 40 crore has been allotted for Rupsa- Bnagriposi rail gauge conversion and Rs 10.41 crore for Nuapada -Gunpur.In the Railway Budget, more funds have been allotted for doubling of line. While the Orissa Government demanded Rs 500 crore for these works, Rs 641.10 crore has been allotted for doubling of line. State Commerce and Transport Minister Jaynaryan Mishra said the Union Rail Ministry had enhanced the allocation in order to meet its own interest and not Orissa's interest.
Rs 641.10 crore has been allotted for 18 doubling projects for 2008-09 as against Rs 449.51 crore for 2007-08. Rs 38.30 crore has been allocated to take up electrification works.
For the year 2008-09, two new doublings namely Banspani- Joruli, Jharsuguda- Champa 3rd line have been sanctioned. Earlier, the State Government had requested Ministry of Railways to sanction nine new rail links, doubling of three new rail links and electrification of four new rail links.
Book throws new light on freedom fighters of Orissa
BHUBANESWAR:(visakeo) Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare on Monday released the book "Gandhi, Freedom Struggle and Swarajya Ashram" penned by eminent researcher and writer Dr Pabak Kanungo.The first copy of the book in Oriya was presented to veteran freedom fighter Annapurna Maharana at a simple ceremony at Raj Bhawan. The book throws new light on the way 'Satyagrahis' of the State could awaken the dormant spirit of the people and shake off their inferiority complex to stand up in defence of their dignity and status as free men. Quoting profusely from the writings and speeches of the heroes of freedom struggle, the book captures events in different phases of the freedom struggle. It also elaborately deals with the intimate contact of Mahatma Gandhi with Orissa.
It also takes a long look at the role played by the historic 'Swarajya Ashram' at Cuttack in the freedom struggle and its gradual disappearance from public perception to an utterly dilapidated structure. The book also contains several rare photographs dating back to 1921, 1925, 1930 and 1931. On the occasion, Bhandare empahsised on renovation and preservation of places in Orissa where Gandhiji visited or stayed so that the younger generation can relate them with fight for Independence and the State's contribution to it.
Culture Minister S.N. Patro, Secretary Gopinath Mohanty and former professor of Utkal University Dr. S. Rath were present.
Shraddhanjali for martyrs of Maoist attack held
Bhubaneswar(Visakeo)Hundreds of activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Tuesday held a Sraddhanjali programme for the cops who fell prey to the Maoists' bullets in Nayagarh at the Nehru Park near Master Canteen Square here.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amitabh Thakur paid floral tributes to the martyred security personnel. Among others, ABVP east zone organising secretary Bishnu Dash, city secretary Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra and programme convener Tatwadarshi Das attended the programme. Other than students, many police personnel and intellectuals paid their respects to the martyrs.
"Because we could not get the photographs of the police personnel who were killed by the Maoists, except that of Assistant Commandant of Special Operation Group (SOG) Pramod Satpathy, we managed the programme with a single photograph decked with flowers. We are trying to collect the photographs of all other police personnel, and in future will organise a mass Shraddhanjali programme," said ABVP city secretary Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra.
India test-fires undersea missile
BALASORE: (visakeo)-India on Tuesday test-fired its first-ever undersea nuclear-capable ballistic missile off the eastern coastal city of Visakhapatnam, catapulting it to the select band of five countries - Russia, the US, France, Britain and China - equipped with the technology.The missile, K-15, with a range of 700 km, was test-fired from a 'Pontoon' immersed in the sea at 12.58 pm.The DRDO awaited the final evaluation from warships in the sea. This was the first full-fledged test of the missile, of which defence scientists had earlier carried out two dry runs.The test was undertaken from a submerged 'Pontoon' as India does not have a submarine capable to undertake firing of such missiles. It would need just one test to ratify the missile which would form the main armament of the country's indigenously- made nuclear submarine which is expected to enter sea trials late next year.
Earlier, the country also had joined the elite club of nations in air defence system along with the US, Russia and Israel after successfully testing its two versions of antiballistic missiles. 'Pontoon was positioned inside the sea, about 8 km from Visakhapatnam coastline and the missile was fired from 50 m deep,' said a source at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-Sea. The 700 km range missile, formerly known as Sagarika, was test fired twice but had reported 'partial' success as trajectory deviation was noticed during its flight. 'But Tuesday's test was a success as a rectified version was tested,' the source said, adding that the final evaluations from the warships stationed in the sea are awaited.Developed by DRDO, K-15 is about 8.5 metres long with one metre diameter. Its launch weight is about 7 tonnes.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
RSS chief pitches for Hindus to restore peace in world
Berhampur(visakeo)Addressing a huge gathering of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers from across the State at the Khalikote College ground here on Sunday on occasion of the RSS' regional convention, RSS chief KS Sudarsan said only Hindus can restore peace in the world.
Other communities have tried to propagate their own religion aggressively and have waged a war in order to conquer other countries with a view to dominate. Whereas, the Hindus never tried to do so, instead they had been trying to win hearts of the people across the world.
Sudarsan spoke at length focusing on religious issues. He said that there was a phase in the past when Hindus felt shy to reveal their identities. But, nowadays people feel proud to express their belongingness to such a religion.
He also claimed that some of the demonic forces were trying to dominate the Hindu society and were trying to introduce a competitive ideology in the Indian society that would ultimately lead to confrontations among each other. Every body would feel unsafe at the presence of another powerful force resulting in a violent society, which is being witnessed in western countries.
While speaking on the propagation of Christianity, he stated that the Last Teaching of Jesus propagates to dominate the other race by preaching their religion. In view of this, Ishah had preached violence and asked the people of his race to create colonialism.
On the other hand, the Hindu preachers including Swami Vivekananda had tried to woo people instead of trying to dominate them of other religions. Hindu's are a race and not a religion as they were identified with a region located along the Sindhu river.
Subsequently, the foreigners began to call the people of this region as Hindus. And the people living in this region were peace loving and never tried to occupy any region unlike the Muslim invaders.
In such a situation, when the Hindu race had been facing challenges and attacks, they had to be united and to be powerful enough to defend their society. They should be prepared to face the demonic forces working against the Hindu society, Sudarsan appealed. He sighted the example of the attempt to destroy the Ram Sethu.
He also spoke on the recent Kandhamal violence stating that politicians were only concerned about the vote banks and trying to divide the society in the name of religion and reservations.
The Panas were originally belonged to Scheduled Castes (SC) and lost their privilege of reservations after conversation.
They were trying to get the status of Scheduled Tribes (ST) because even after one converts to another religion, he would get the benefit of reservations. In such a situation, when Swami Laxamananda Saraswati tried to prevent Hindus from conversion angry Christians attempted to kill him that led to the eruption of violence resulting in burning of the temples, whereas the Christians alleged that their churches were gutted, he added.
Other communities have tried to propagate their own religion aggressively and have waged a war in order to conquer other countries with a view to dominate. Whereas, the Hindus never tried to do so, instead they had been trying to win hearts of the people across the world.
Sudarsan spoke at length focusing on religious issues. He said that there was a phase in the past when Hindus felt shy to reveal their identities. But, nowadays people feel proud to express their belongingness to such a religion.
He also claimed that some of the demonic forces were trying to dominate the Hindu society and were trying to introduce a competitive ideology in the Indian society that would ultimately lead to confrontations among each other. Every body would feel unsafe at the presence of another powerful force resulting in a violent society, which is being witnessed in western countries.
While speaking on the propagation of Christianity, he stated that the Last Teaching of Jesus propagates to dominate the other race by preaching their religion. In view of this, Ishah had preached violence and asked the people of his race to create colonialism.
On the other hand, the Hindu preachers including Swami Vivekananda had tried to woo people instead of trying to dominate them of other religions. Hindu's are a race and not a religion as they were identified with a region located along the Sindhu river.
Subsequently, the foreigners began to call the people of this region as Hindus. And the people living in this region were peace loving and never tried to occupy any region unlike the Muslim invaders.
In such a situation, when the Hindu race had been facing challenges and attacks, they had to be united and to be powerful enough to defend their society. They should be prepared to face the demonic forces working against the Hindu society, Sudarsan appealed. He sighted the example of the attempt to destroy the Ram Sethu.
He also spoke on the recent Kandhamal violence stating that politicians were only concerned about the vote banks and trying to divide the society in the name of religion and reservations.
The Panas were originally belonged to Scheduled Castes (SC) and lost their privilege of reservations after conversation.
They were trying to get the status of Scheduled Tribes (ST) because even after one converts to another religion, he would get the benefit of reservations. In such a situation, when Swami Laxamananda Saraswati tried to prevent Hindus from conversion angry Christians attempted to kill him that led to the eruption of violence resulting in burning of the temples, whereas the Christians alleged that their churches were gutted, he added.
Special package for Kandhamal
Bhubaneswa(visakeo): To win back the confidence and faith of the residents of riot hit Kandhamal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced a special package for the residents. A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat.
As per the decision, Government would set up a B Ed College in Phulbani, the district headquarters of Kandhamal. Youth of the district will be imparted training in the college.
In order to boost horticulture, Patnaik also announced the setting up a training centre for horticulture. The training centre would encourage horticulture in the district. A nursery would also be set up in the district. Employment generated programme would also be taken up in this backward district. "A Technical Training Institute would also be set up in the district," Patnaik said, adding that with the help of the State Employment Mission, training programmes would be implemented for enhancing the skill of the unemployed youth of the district.
Meanwhile in a major breakthrough, the Balangir police arrested Haibar Nayak, the alleged mastermind behind the violence that erupted in Kandhamal on December 25 in which three people killed and 800 houses gutted. He belongs to Barkhamar of Baliguda Police Station of Kandhamal district. However, Nayak has denied all the allegations levelled against him.
As per the decision, Government would set up a B Ed College in Phulbani, the district headquarters of Kandhamal. Youth of the district will be imparted training in the college.
In order to boost horticulture, Patnaik also announced the setting up a training centre for horticulture. The training centre would encourage horticulture in the district. A nursery would also be set up in the district. Employment generated programme would also be taken up in this backward district. "A Technical Training Institute would also be set up in the district," Patnaik said, adding that with the help of the State Employment Mission, training programmes would be implemented for enhancing the skill of the unemployed youth of the district.
Meanwhile in a major breakthrough, the Balangir police arrested Haibar Nayak, the alleged mastermind behind the violence that erupted in Kandhamal on December 25 in which three people killed and 800 houses gutted. He belongs to Barkhamar of Baliguda Police Station of Kandhamal district. However, Nayak has denied all the allegations levelled against him.
Monday, February 25, 2008
RSS chief: Church behind Kandhamal violence
ANGUL:(visakeo)- RSS Sar Sangh Chalak K.S.Sudarshan on Thursday blamed the church for the recent Kandhamal communal flare-up. He was addressing swayam sevaks here after inspecting various martial arts performed by them.
Calling upon the people to awaken and unite to counter the challenge of multiple threats to the country, he said 'don't wait for others to act for you'. He said threats like Maoist violence, Islamic jihad and conversations by Christian missionaries are looming large over India.
Sudarshan regretted that while any insult to other religions sparked off protests worldwide, the same is not happening in case of attack and insult on Hinduism. He said one of the achievements of the Sangh since it was formed in 1925 was that it helped Hindus to say themselves as Hindus without any fear.
''Maoists know only to destroy,'' he said questioning what development activities they did in their liberated areas in the country. USSR, which embraced Communism, collapsed and also China, where Maoism prospered, is also meeting the same fate, he observed.
Opposing the plan to destruct Ram Setu, Sudarshan said expert committee formed on the Sethu Samundram project opined against demolition of the setu as it would be catastrophic to coastal areas in the wake of Tsunami.
The Sethu Samundram project would not benefit the national economy rather it would create a burden of Rs 1000 crore per annum to clear the debris. The demolition of setu, he said, was not in the interest of India but it would further the interest of America, he claimed.
Calling upon the people to awaken and unite to counter the challenge of multiple threats to the country, he said 'don't wait for others to act for you'. He said threats like Maoist violence, Islamic jihad and conversations by Christian missionaries are looming large over India.
Sudarshan regretted that while any insult to other religions sparked off protests worldwide, the same is not happening in case of attack and insult on Hinduism. He said one of the achievements of the Sangh since it was formed in 1925 was that it helped Hindus to say themselves as Hindus without any fear.
''Maoists know only to destroy,'' he said questioning what development activities they did in their liberated areas in the country. USSR, which embraced Communism, collapsed and also China, where Maoism prospered, is also meeting the same fate, he observed.
Opposing the plan to destruct Ram Setu, Sudarshan said expert committee formed on the Sethu Samundram project opined against demolition of the setu as it would be catastrophic to coastal areas in the wake of Tsunami.
The Sethu Samundram project would not benefit the national economy rather it would create a burden of Rs 1000 crore per annum to clear the debris. The demolition of setu, he said, was not in the interest of India but it would further the interest of America, he claimed.
Asst Commandant Pramod's family to get Rs 15 lakh
Bhubaneswar (visakeo)The State Government on Thursday announced a compassionate grant of Rs 5 lakh for Assistant Commandant of Special Operation Group (SOG) Pramod Kumar Satpathy, who made the supreme sacrifice during the combing operation against the Maoists in Gasama jungle.
Making a statement during an adjournment motion on law and order in the House, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that a compassionate grant of Rs 4 lakh each had also been sanctioned for the families of the other police personnel killed during the operation.
Making a statement during an adjournment motion on law and order in the House, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that a compassionate grant of Rs 4 lakh each had also been sanctioned for the families of the other police personnel killed during the operation.
In addition, insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh would be given for each deceased police personnel. "The State Government would also provide appointment to the next of kin of each deceased police personnel," he said. Sources said Pramod's family would receive a total compensation of Rs 15 lakh including that of insurance coverage.
Constable Sushanta Gouda and Sepoy SN Panda were also killed during the anti-Maoist combing operation.
In order to intensify its combing operation, the State Government for the first time has engaged forest officials in the operation. They would guide forces to find out the routes in the dense forest of Kandhamal and Gajapati. Sniffer dog squads, which were pressed into operation to detect landmines and find the bodies of the militants, have so far detected 20 landmines and found some blood soaked fatigues.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in the Assembly on Thursday that combing operations were on and forces had been pressed into operation. "The number of Maoist related incidents is much less compared to the neighbouring Maoist affected States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar," he said.
"Police forces are at this very moment engaged in a battle of life and death in the jungles with the Maoists. We should rise above other considerations and respect the efforts of the gallant men," he said. The security forces have recovered 40 per cent of the looted weapons and 70 per cent of the ammunition, Patnaik added.
Giving a reply to the adjournment motion, Patnaik said "Extremism had started many decades ago as an ideology for the poor. It has now been overtaken by terrorism, mafia behaviour and its leaders and cadre have been indulging in heinous acts of extortions, drug trade, murder and rape."
With the adjournment motion being accepted for discussion, the stalemate over the House on the Maoist issue came to an end and normalcy was restored. Coming down heavily upon deputy leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra's remarks that Maoist activities have increased due to increase in poverty, Patnaik said it was during the regime of the Congress that people were languishing in poverty as the growth rate was between 3.2 per cent to 5.2 per cent. "However, during the 10th Plan, it has climbed to 7.2 per cent," he said, adding that the State had overtaken the per capita annual NSDP growth rate of the country.
Throwing the ball into the Opposition's court, Patnaik said the Opposition should appeal to the Centre to reduce the BPL families by 10 lakh. He further said that special steps had been taken to address the land-related issues of tribal people. "As many as 9,098 forest cases involving minor offences and 2,938 criminal cases against the tribal have been dropped," he said. However, the Opposition alleged that the Government had totally failed in curbing the Maoist menace in the State.
Constable Sushanta Gouda and Sepoy SN Panda were also killed during the anti-Maoist combing operation.
In order to intensify its combing operation, the State Government for the first time has engaged forest officials in the operation. They would guide forces to find out the routes in the dense forest of Kandhamal and Gajapati. Sniffer dog squads, which were pressed into operation to detect landmines and find the bodies of the militants, have so far detected 20 landmines and found some blood soaked fatigues.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in the Assembly on Thursday that combing operations were on and forces had been pressed into operation. "The number of Maoist related incidents is much less compared to the neighbouring Maoist affected States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar," he said.
"Police forces are at this very moment engaged in a battle of life and death in the jungles with the Maoists. We should rise above other considerations and respect the efforts of the gallant men," he said. The security forces have recovered 40 per cent of the looted weapons and 70 per cent of the ammunition, Patnaik added.
Giving a reply to the adjournment motion, Patnaik said "Extremism had started many decades ago as an ideology for the poor. It has now been overtaken by terrorism, mafia behaviour and its leaders and cadre have been indulging in heinous acts of extortions, drug trade, murder and rape."
With the adjournment motion being accepted for discussion, the stalemate over the House on the Maoist issue came to an end and normalcy was restored. Coming down heavily upon deputy leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra's remarks that Maoist activities have increased due to increase in poverty, Patnaik said it was during the regime of the Congress that people were languishing in poverty as the growth rate was between 3.2 per cent to 5.2 per cent. "However, during the 10th Plan, it has climbed to 7.2 per cent," he said, adding that the State had overtaken the per capita annual NSDP growth rate of the country.
Throwing the ball into the Opposition's court, Patnaik said the Opposition should appeal to the Centre to reduce the BPL families by 10 lakh. He further said that special steps had been taken to address the land-related issues of tribal people. "As many as 9,098 forest cases involving minor offences and 2,938 criminal cases against the tribal have been dropped," he said. However, the Opposition alleged that the Government had totally failed in curbing the Maoist menace in the State.
Former IPS officers term NHRC act on aerial attack as 'illegitimate'
Bhubaneswar:(visakeo)- Former IPS officer having knowledge on counter-insurgency operations, on Thursday termed the restriction imposed by the National Human Rights Commission on aerial strike on the outlawed leftwing guerrillas by the security forces as 'illegitimate' and 'discouraging'. Former Assam cadre Oriya IPS officer Ashok Sahu, argued that aerial attack was the need of the hour as the rebels' are being hiding in dense forest after spreading mayhem in Nayagarh. "I think, the Commission has no legitimate right to intervene into the combing operations being carried out by the Orissa Government," he said. He further added that the Commission should also take the case of killed police men in Nayagarh mayhem. He further said that the fleeing Maoists' may be heading towards either Andhra Pradesh or Chhattisgarh in the wake of massive crack down. Sahu further added that security forces should search in nearby villages and peripheral areas. "Immediate use of aerial bombing by helicopters on Maoists escaping through the jungles after the Nayagarh attack could have led to a death blow on the extremists," he added. He further alleged that Churches in these five southern districts have been patronising the leftwing guerrillas and providing shelter for them.Criticising Union Home Ministry, Sahu demanded special assistance to Orissa on matters of security related expenditure. He further said that the reports indicating Maoists presence in several forest areas of Kandhamal, has proved enough about the role of the Churches. The Centre's double policy of development and police action to deal with Maoists appears to be ineffective, as funds marked for developmental projects are being extorted by Maoists themselves, he added.
Combing operation continues for fifth consecutive day
Bhubaneswar (visakeo)More than 1,500 security personnel on Wednesday continued their combing operation in the forests of five southern districts of the State to nab Maoists for the fifth consecutive day, who had raided several police posts and escaped with a large haul of weapons after killing 15 people last Friday in Nayagarh.
Security personnel of the Orissa Armed Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Special Operations Group and Greyhound squads, sniffer dogs'squad backed by Air Force choppers have been combing the forests spread over five districts after failing to locate them in Gosma forests, police sources said.
Security forces on Wednesday further adopted a new strategy of guerilla warfare in the hunt for Maoists in the dense forests, where additional paramilitary personnel have joined the long haul operation. Fresh reinforcements of 500 CRPF men have joined the combing team, which was rushed by the Centre. Besides, using IAF choppers to spot the militants inside the jungle, the security forces deployed a large number of trained dogs, IG (Operations) SS Hansdah told The Pioneer over phone from the operation site. "We are concentrating only on possible locations of the rebels," IG Hansdah added.
The change of strategy to nab the militants was believed to have been influenced by the death of three prominent members of the SOG, including assistant commandant Pramod Kumar Satpathy during the combing operation.
Meanwhile, there was a rumour that over 42 bodies of the extremists were recovered from the Gosama forest where the encounter took place on Saturday. However, there was no official confirmation fearing several problems on grounds of human rights violation. While Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Nikhil Kanodia was leading a group in Daringibadi area, Southern Range DIG RP Koche was heading another group. Sources said the combing operation was likely to continue for a long period. The police, however, had not sighted any extremist since Saturday.
"Instead of chasing the militants in jungles, the force will now wait for the enemies to surface as per the new strategy," an officer involved in the operation said. "We do not want to sacrifice more personnel by directly confronting the militants and raiding their hideouts.
The enemies were obviously in an advantageous position inside the forests. They knew the routes and were well acquainted with the terrain," he said. The officer said moonlight had helped the militants to slip from their hideouts in Gosmah forest which was encircled by the security personnel. "It was easy for the militants to escape taking advantage of their knowledge of forest routes", the officer said.
Security personnel of the Orissa Armed Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Special Operations Group and Greyhound squads, sniffer dogs'squad backed by Air Force choppers have been combing the forests spread over five districts after failing to locate them in Gosma forests, police sources said.
Security forces on Wednesday further adopted a new strategy of guerilla warfare in the hunt for Maoists in the dense forests, where additional paramilitary personnel have joined the long haul operation. Fresh reinforcements of 500 CRPF men have joined the combing team, which was rushed by the Centre. Besides, using IAF choppers to spot the militants inside the jungle, the security forces deployed a large number of trained dogs, IG (Operations) SS Hansdah told The Pioneer over phone from the operation site. "We are concentrating only on possible locations of the rebels," IG Hansdah added.
The change of strategy to nab the militants was believed to have been influenced by the death of three prominent members of the SOG, including assistant commandant Pramod Kumar Satpathy during the combing operation.
Meanwhile, there was a rumour that over 42 bodies of the extremists were recovered from the Gosama forest where the encounter took place on Saturday. However, there was no official confirmation fearing several problems on grounds of human rights violation. While Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Nikhil Kanodia was leading a group in Daringibadi area, Southern Range DIG RP Koche was heading another group. Sources said the combing operation was likely to continue for a long period. The police, however, had not sighted any extremist since Saturday.
"Instead of chasing the militants in jungles, the force will now wait for the enemies to surface as per the new strategy," an officer involved in the operation said. "We do not want to sacrifice more personnel by directly confronting the militants and raiding their hideouts.
The enemies were obviously in an advantageous position inside the forests. They knew the routes and were well acquainted with the terrain," he said. The officer said moonlight had helped the militants to slip from their hideouts in Gosmah forest which was encircled by the security personnel. "It was easy for the militants to escape taking advantage of their knowledge of forest routes", the officer said.
Police command and control system failed in Nayagarh
Bhubaneswar (visakeo)-Maoists attacked different police institutions in Nayagarh district late night on February 15, killed 14 police personnel and looted the armoury before melting into the darkness of night. Similar Maoist attacks had taken place at the State's far-off southern places of Koraput and R Udayagiri during the last four years. Nayagarh is probably different from others in the extent of cruelty with which the brave police personnel were butchered and the amount of arms and ammunition looted.
The modus operandi of the attackers has been quite similar on the earlier two occasions. Then too, the attackers overwhelmed the defenders with their sheer numbers. The family members of the dead police personnel would definitely be interested to know what, if any, lesson has been learnt and whether any action was taken to prevent recurrence of the events. There are talks now of fortifying the police stations with better building designs, walls with barbed wire fences and such things.
When determined attackers in Kashmir, UP and other States are able to penetrate the fortifications of the Army and CRPF camps, how much the latest moves in Orissa would help keep the determined Red attackers at bay is a moot point. Taking a senior police official hostage or ramming a vehicle through the walls will not be beyond the capabilities of committed cadres that the Maoists claim to have.
Better weapons for the police would, perhaps, not achieve much beyond boosting the morale of the police force. In fact, in remote areas, this move has the potential of being taken advantage by the Maoists and use for their own benefit, as has been demonstrated at places like Koraput, R Udayagiri and Nayagarh.
As per available reports, two conclusions about the Nayagarh tragedy can be easily drawn. One is the failure of the police intelligence and the second is the failure of the command and control system to react to an emergency of this type. These also were the conclusions in the Koraput and R Udayagiri incidents. No amount of fortification can prevent such incidents unless the element of the Maoists' surprise attack is blunted with effective intelligence.
Hundreds of people mounting an attack on a town need a lot of planning, elaborate arrangement of logistics and coordination till the last minute. It is impossible that some members of public did not notice anything, particularly when so many people either travelled hundreds of kilometers with arms and ammunitions or trickled in and hid nearby for a few days. But if anybody noticed any thing unusual, they obviously chose not to bother.
The second and, the more important, issue is the apparent failure of the command and control system of the police to react to such a situation. No available report suggests any collapse of the telecom network in the public domain in Nayagarh that fateful night. When members of the public and the media in Bhubaneswar were aware of something terrible going on in Nayagarh, it was impossible that the police top brass were unaware of it.
If they did know, then they owe an explanation to their own people as to what action they initiated. If they did not, then that in itself is a major problem because action on that information perhaps could have saved some other police stations which the attackers targeted on their way out of Nayagarh. They could also have used the knowledge to delay the escape of the attackers by creating obstructions on the roads.
Nayagarh is less than two hours away from Bhubaneswar, and creating obstacles on the path of escape of the attackers along with reinforcements from the State headquarters could have resulted in an effective retaliatory action. The real story will come out some day, but as of now it appears that the decision makers simply never knew what hit them.
The fear of consequence of action deters criminals from implementing their plans. The ease with which the Maoists have carried out their plans at place after place in the State over the last few years would have definitely emboldened them and pushed their morale sky high.
So, Orissa can expect more of these attacks in coming years and that would hardly boost the morale of inhabitants and investors alike. The claim of killing hundreds of Maoists in encounters is fine but more is necessary to boost the confidence of the common man.
The modus operandi of the attackers has been quite similar on the earlier two occasions. Then too, the attackers overwhelmed the defenders with their sheer numbers. The family members of the dead police personnel would definitely be interested to know what, if any, lesson has been learnt and whether any action was taken to prevent recurrence of the events. There are talks now of fortifying the police stations with better building designs, walls with barbed wire fences and such things.
When determined attackers in Kashmir, UP and other States are able to penetrate the fortifications of the Army and CRPF camps, how much the latest moves in Orissa would help keep the determined Red attackers at bay is a moot point. Taking a senior police official hostage or ramming a vehicle through the walls will not be beyond the capabilities of committed cadres that the Maoists claim to have.
Better weapons for the police would, perhaps, not achieve much beyond boosting the morale of the police force. In fact, in remote areas, this move has the potential of being taken advantage by the Maoists and use for their own benefit, as has been demonstrated at places like Koraput, R Udayagiri and Nayagarh.
As per available reports, two conclusions about the Nayagarh tragedy can be easily drawn. One is the failure of the police intelligence and the second is the failure of the command and control system to react to an emergency of this type. These also were the conclusions in the Koraput and R Udayagiri incidents. No amount of fortification can prevent such incidents unless the element of the Maoists' surprise attack is blunted with effective intelligence.
Hundreds of people mounting an attack on a town need a lot of planning, elaborate arrangement of logistics and coordination till the last minute. It is impossible that some members of public did not notice anything, particularly when so many people either travelled hundreds of kilometers with arms and ammunitions or trickled in and hid nearby for a few days. But if anybody noticed any thing unusual, they obviously chose not to bother.
The second and, the more important, issue is the apparent failure of the command and control system of the police to react to such a situation. No available report suggests any collapse of the telecom network in the public domain in Nayagarh that fateful night. When members of the public and the media in Bhubaneswar were aware of something terrible going on in Nayagarh, it was impossible that the police top brass were unaware of it.
If they did know, then they owe an explanation to their own people as to what action they initiated. If they did not, then that in itself is a major problem because action on that information perhaps could have saved some other police stations which the attackers targeted on their way out of Nayagarh. They could also have used the knowledge to delay the escape of the attackers by creating obstructions on the roads.
Nayagarh is less than two hours away from Bhubaneswar, and creating obstacles on the path of escape of the attackers along with reinforcements from the State headquarters could have resulted in an effective retaliatory action. The real story will come out some day, but as of now it appears that the decision makers simply never knew what hit them.
The fear of consequence of action deters criminals from implementing their plans. The ease with which the Maoists have carried out their plans at place after place in the State over the last few years would have definitely emboldened them and pushed their morale sky high.
So, Orissa can expect more of these attacks in coming years and that would hardly boost the morale of inhabitants and investors alike. The claim of killing hundreds of Maoists in encounters is fine but more is necessary to boost the confidence of the common man.
UBSS to observe Silver Jubilee today
Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)The RSS backed Utkal Biparana Sahayata Samiti will observe its Silver Jubilee Function here at Mancheswar Industrial Area on Saturday. National Joint General Secretary of RSS Suresh Rao Joshi( Bhaiyaji) will join as the Chief Speaker of the Silver Jubilee Function while State Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Secretary, Hrushikesh Panda( IAS) will attend the function as Chief Guest. UBSS State president Prasant Ballav Ray will preside the meeting, UBSS organising secretary Saroj Kumar Kar said on Friday. On this occasion, several noted persons will receive awards for their remarkable contribution in various fields. Pratap Rudra Beurai of Kulailo village of Athagarh, Manoranjan Das of Kalupadaghat, Khurda and BK Rout of Bhabanipatana, Kalahandi will receive the award for public service. Similarly, Maheswar Jena, of Patana, Jajpur and Kailash Pradhan of Tangana, Bhanjnagar, Ganjam will receive the award for social service. Meanwhile, the Silver Jubilee Function will be followed by a cultural programme. As many 31 inmates of the two Orphanage run by the UBSS at Rayagada and Parlakhemundi will perform various cultural shows. Students of Balmiki Sikhya Kendra run by the UBSS will also perform on this occasion. Besides, Yoga students of UBSS will also perform on various forms of Yoga.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Give protection to divorced Hindu women, demands Samiti
Bhubaneswar:(visakeo) Orissa unit of Rashtra Sevika Samiti on Tuesday strongly criticized the State Government's move to provide special protection to divorce Muslim women and monthly pension. The Samiti terming the decision as unconstitutional also demanded same facilities for the divorce Hindu women. Samiti State coordinator Lalita Padhi said the decision of the Government was a step forward for Muslim appeasement policy. "If special protection and monthly pension for Muslim women, why the Government silent on Hindu women," she asked. She also criticised the Sachar Committee and Justice Ranganath Mishra committee reports and recent move of the Andhra Pradesh Governmnet to provide subsidies to Christians.
Police hot on Maoists' trail
Bhubaneswar:(visakeo) Director General of Police (DGP) Gopal Chandra Nanda on Monday claimed that the outlawed leftwing rebels were on the defensive, after the marathon encounter that began on Saturday night in the bordering areas of the southern districts of Ganjam and Kandhamal.The DGP, who briefed Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here at the State Secretariat, said security forces had recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition looted from the Nayagarh District Armoury and Police Training School during the ongoing combing operations.
"We have recovered 115 303 rifles, one carbine and half a truckload of ammunition," DGP Nanda, said. He also confirmed that the casualty on the Maoists side was more than 20, but failed to give an exact number. "We are not searching for the bodies. We are concentrating on the combing operations," he said. He added that the villagers were informing them about the bodies from time to time. As many as 1,100 weapons of different makes and around two lakh live bullets had been looted by hundreds of armed Maoists from Nayagarh district on Friday night. The Maoists were virtually trapped inside the forest with all the escape routes being sealed by the police. The militants were left with only two options, either be killed or captured, the DGP further said.
Meanwhile, combing operations continued for the third consecutive day on Monday against hundreds of armed Maoists in several parts of the State following the Nayagarh mayhem on Friday. The operation, one of the biggest in the history of encounters against the leftwing guerrillas, began after information was received that the militants had moved to the borders of Ganjam and Kandhamal district and were hiding on a hilltop in a bid to escape to the neighbouring State. Senior police officials supervising the combing operation, however, maintained that the casualty from the Maoists side would rise as a number of them were seriously injured during the encounter at the Gasama hill bordering Ganjam and Phulbani district during the last three days.
A fierce encounter was going on in at least four places as the heavily armed Maoists were divided into various small groups and moving into the interior villages inside the dense forest in a bid to flee from the State. Hundreds of security personnel were pursuing the Maoists in the forests near Gasama hill in Ganjam district where the rebels have taken shelter, Additional DGP MM Praharaj said. Praharaj, who is leading the operation, said several rounds of gun battles were going on with the rebels since Saturday. He said the fleeing Maoists had split into groups. "So we are chasing them from all sides." The people living in the forest informed that they had seen about 20 bodies of the Maoists in their localities but we believe it could be much more," he said.
Reports reaching here said the Maoists, in the face of a heavy encounter, had dispersed from the Gasama forest where they were hiding and moved to nearby forest and interior villages on foot. As many as two companies of Greyhound police from Andhra Pradesh, four companies of CRPF, three companies of the Special Operation Group and over 30 battalions of the OSAP, besides police force drawn from four southern Orissa districts.
"We have recovered 115 303 rifles, one carbine and half a truckload of ammunition," DGP Nanda, said. He also confirmed that the casualty on the Maoists side was more than 20, but failed to give an exact number. "We are not searching for the bodies. We are concentrating on the combing operations," he said. He added that the villagers were informing them about the bodies from time to time. As many as 1,100 weapons of different makes and around two lakh live bullets had been looted by hundreds of armed Maoists from Nayagarh district on Friday night. The Maoists were virtually trapped inside the forest with all the escape routes being sealed by the police. The militants were left with only two options, either be killed or captured, the DGP further said.
Meanwhile, combing operations continued for the third consecutive day on Monday against hundreds of armed Maoists in several parts of the State following the Nayagarh mayhem on Friday. The operation, one of the biggest in the history of encounters against the leftwing guerrillas, began after information was received that the militants had moved to the borders of Ganjam and Kandhamal district and were hiding on a hilltop in a bid to escape to the neighbouring State. Senior police officials supervising the combing operation, however, maintained that the casualty from the Maoists side would rise as a number of them were seriously injured during the encounter at the Gasama hill bordering Ganjam and Phulbani district during the last three days.
A fierce encounter was going on in at least four places as the heavily armed Maoists were divided into various small groups and moving into the interior villages inside the dense forest in a bid to flee from the State. Hundreds of security personnel were pursuing the Maoists in the forests near Gasama hill in Ganjam district where the rebels have taken shelter, Additional DGP MM Praharaj said. Praharaj, who is leading the operation, said several rounds of gun battles were going on with the rebels since Saturday. He said the fleeing Maoists had split into groups. "So we are chasing them from all sides." The people living in the forest informed that they had seen about 20 bodies of the Maoists in their localities but we believe it could be much more," he said.
Reports reaching here said the Maoists, in the face of a heavy encounter, had dispersed from the Gasama forest where they were hiding and moved to nearby forest and interior villages on foot. As many as two companies of Greyhound police from Andhra Pradesh, four companies of CRPF, three companies of the Special Operation Group and over 30 battalions of the OSAP, besides police force drawn from four southern Orissa districts.
Villagers help anti-Maoist operations in jungles
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)While the Superintendents of Police of Berhampur, Ganjam and Kandhamal are engaged in combat operations against the Maoists, the Collectors are not left behind. This time, villagers are also keeping a vigil on the movement of the extremists, thanks to the initiatives of the Collectors of Ganjam and Kandhamal, V Karthikeyan Pandian and Manish Kumar Verma, respectively.
According to sources, while Pandian is camping near Gelari on the border of Ganjam, Verma is also moving in the routes covered by the Maoists in the Tikabali and Chakapad areas. While the SOG, Grey Hound and CRPF commandos are engaged in fierce fights with the powerfully armed Maoists, the Collectors are taking the help of the common men as vigilant citizens.
All the routes leading to the jungles of Gasama, where the Maoists are hiding, are being covered by people connected with mobile telephones. The movement of the Maoists are being watched and reported back to the authorities, said a source.
This is a new method of collecting information, as the mobiles are providing the scope for connectivity in these far-flung areas, said a senior officer.
Villagers are angry with the Maoists because they killed innocent persons in the bordering Nayagarh district. They are out to support the district administration and the police authorities in their anti-Maoist operations. According to the sources, vital information is percolating, which is beneficial to the combat forces.
The SOG, Grey Hound and CRPF commandos are combing the jungles from three sides. The commandos are approaching from Gelari and Soroda side of Ganjam district, while another lot is approaching from Tikabali in Kandhamal district.
Home Secretary TK Mishra on Sunday said 20 Maoists and three SOG personnel were killed, though Intelligence sources say the casualty figure of the Maoists is more than 26. However, the bodies of the Maoists are vanishing as soon as they are killed, because the Maoists are not allowing their dead comrades to be identified by the police and parade the bodies.
Villagers inside the forests say the Maoists are facing difficult times due to attacks on all the sides of the jungle. While Director, Intelligence MM Praharaj and SOG chief are masterminding the entire operations, IG Operations SS Hansda is coordinating the exercise.
DIG Southern Range RP Koche, Ganjam SP S Dev Dutt Singh, Berhampur SP Nitinjit Singh and Kandhamal SP Nikhil Kumar Kanodia are in the forefront of the operations.
Apart from guiding the entire operations, DGP GC Nanda is busy preparing an Integrated Security Plan for the Maoist-prone areas, which has received the green signal from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Naxal-police encounter continues in Orissa
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-The encounter between the police and Naxalites near Galeri on the Nayagarh-Kandhamal border in Orissa has entered into the second day.
Over 18 hours after the first exchange, there have been many casualties on both sides but the figures are not yet known. According to some unofficial sources, over 10 Naxalites may have been killed and three policemen are missing. However, police have not said anything yet.
The encounter took place after the police blocked all escape routes for the Naxalites who were fleeing after raiding two armories in Nayagarh on Friday night, in which fifteen people including 13 police personnel were killed. The Maoists are trapped inside the jungle and the special operation group and CRPF have encircled the jungle and blocked all escape routes.
Naxal attack: Orissa police blame govt
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-Blaming the state government for the recent Naxal attacks, Orissa police associations have demanded adequate fortification of police stations and armouries in the state.
They have also asked the state government to declare the entire state as Naxal-prone.
Earlier, Orissa Home secretary Tarun Mishra said that 20 Maoists and three policemen have died in the exchange of fire between the two sides.
The firing between Maoist guerillas, police and paramilitary forces in Orissa has been on since Saturday night near Galeri in the Nayagarh-Kandhmal corder.
However, the bodies of the Naxalites have not been recovered.
The battle comes after at least 500 Maoists in plain clothes stormed two armouries in Nayagarh on Friday night.
Not only did they kill 15 people, including 13 police personnel, they also made off with huge quantities of arms and ammunition including AK-47 machine guns and INSAS automatic rifles, which is the standard weapon of soldiers in the Indian Army.
The CRPF, state police and members of the Special Operations Group are trying to encircle the forested area, where the Naxals are operating.
They have also asked the state government to declare the entire state as Naxal-prone.
Earlier, Orissa Home secretary Tarun Mishra said that 20 Maoists and three policemen have died in the exchange of fire between the two sides.
The firing between Maoist guerillas, police and paramilitary forces in Orissa has been on since Saturday night near Galeri in the Nayagarh-Kandhmal corder.
However, the bodies of the Naxalites have not been recovered.
The battle comes after at least 500 Maoists in plain clothes stormed two armouries in Nayagarh on Friday night.
Not only did they kill 15 people, including 13 police personnel, they also made off with huge quantities of arms and ammunition including AK-47 machine guns and INSAS automatic rifles, which is the standard weapon of soldiers in the Indian Army.
The CRPF, state police and members of the Special Operations Group are trying to encircle the forested area, where the Naxals are operating.
Twenty Maoists killed in Orissa
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-Twenty Maoists were gunned down during the combing operation by security forces in border area of Nayagarh-Ganjam-Kandhamal districts of Orissa on Sunday.
Three jawans of the Special Operation Group (SOG) were also killed in the operation being conducted since Saturday after the Maoist attack on police establishments in Nayagarh on Friday night, state Home Secretary T K Mishra told reporters here.
Some women Maoists were also among the 20 ultras killed in the exchange of fire.
Three jawans of the Special Operation Group (SOG) were also killed in the operation being conducted since Saturday after the Maoist attack on police establishments in Nayagarh on Friday night, state Home Secretary T K Mishra told reporters here.
Some women Maoists were also among the 20 ultras killed in the exchange of fire.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Justice on Trial seeks extension of CRPF stay in Kandhamal
Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)-Justice on Trial, a Gujarat-based organisation, on Thursday urged both Central and State Governments to extend the CRPF deployment in the riot-hit areas of Kandhamal till total normalcy is restored.
The organisation, which released a report of its fact-finding team under the chairmanship of Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan Guru Charan Singh Gill over the recent violence in Kandhamal, however, termed the incident as a caste conflict and mismanagement in reservation policy lead to anger among the tribal. Former Punjab DGP PC Dogra, social activists Nafia Hussain, MK Andhare and Ram Kishor Pansari were among those in the fact-finding team.
The team after discussing the issue and visiting the affected site released the report and demanded adequate compensation for the riot affected people. "Dispute among ST and SC, dispute among Kandh, Kui and Pana were several key fact led to violence," fact finding team chairman Gill said. The Centre has agreed to Orissa Government's request to retain all the seven battalions of Central Reserve Police Force in violence-hit Kandhamal till March 15.
Demanding tough measures to regulate activities of foreign funded NGOs operating in riot-hit Kandhamal district, the organisation called for an open debate on conversion, terming it as the 'root cause' of unrest in the tribal dominated areas. "We urged the Government to probe fake caste (ST) certificates fraudulently obtained by non-tribals. I also demanded action against the people who obtained such fake certificates and got government jobs," Gill said. Former IAS officer Biswanath Rath, former IPS officer Ashok Sahoo and Prasant Rout were among those present.
The organisation, which released a report of its fact-finding team under the chairmanship of Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan Guru Charan Singh Gill over the recent violence in Kandhamal, however, termed the incident as a caste conflict and mismanagement in reservation policy lead to anger among the tribal. Former Punjab DGP PC Dogra, social activists Nafia Hussain, MK Andhare and Ram Kishor Pansari were among those in the fact-finding team.
The team after discussing the issue and visiting the affected site released the report and demanded adequate compensation for the riot affected people. "Dispute among ST and SC, dispute among Kandh, Kui and Pana were several key fact led to violence," fact finding team chairman Gill said. The Centre has agreed to Orissa Government's request to retain all the seven battalions of Central Reserve Police Force in violence-hit Kandhamal till March 15.
Demanding tough measures to regulate activities of foreign funded NGOs operating in riot-hit Kandhamal district, the organisation called for an open debate on conversion, terming it as the 'root cause' of unrest in the tribal dominated areas. "We urged the Government to probe fake caste (ST) certificates fraudulently obtained by non-tribals. I also demanded action against the people who obtained such fake certificates and got government jobs," Gill said. Former IAS officer Biswanath Rath, former IPS officer Ashok Sahoo and Prasant Rout were among those present.
Why this bias? BJP taunts Centre
BHUBANESWAR: The BJP launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led
UPA Government for its continued apathy towards the State.
UPA Government for its continued apathy towards the State.
Addressing the opening session of the two-day State executive
committee meeting of the BJP here on Thursday, party president Suresh
Pujari lambasted the Centre for its preferential treatment to the
State so far as sanction of Central projects or Central assistance is
concerned.
"The only solution to the Centre's apathy is to build a movement
against the UPA Government in the State," Pujari said.
The BJD-BJP combination has completed 10 years and the alliance will
continue to rule the State, Pujari asserted and exhorted party leaders
and workers to defeat the evil design of the Congress. All the
projects sanctioned by the NDA Government for the State are either
shelved or relocated to other states.
The Netaji Subash Bose All India Institute of Medical Science is
languishing for lack of financial support. While Orissa's demand for
an Indian Institute of Technology has been ignored, states having
several national institutes are being given special treatment, he
rued.
Even as the State is facing recurring floods and Central team visiting
the State to assess the flood damage realised the gravity of the
situation and financial requirement to meet the calamities, the UPA
Government has not given any special assistance to tide over the
situation.
"After promising Rs 200 crore special flood assistance to the State,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not keep his word," he said.
After reducing the kerosene quota of the State, the latest in the
series is that the Centre is hell bent on deleting over 10.30 lakh BPL
families from the existing list while the number of BPL families in
progressive states are increased, he rued.
The meeting will pass its political resolution on Friday.
Monday, February 04, 2008
NMO to host two-day long National Conference from Feb 9
Bhubaneswar (4/2): National Medicos' Organisation (NMO) will hold the 24th two-day long National Conference at Cuttack from February 9 to 10. NMO is hosting the seminar for the first time in the State to discuss various issues relating to medical science. Addressing a press conference here on Monday, organising secretary Radheshayama Bhawsinka and Higher Education Minister Sameer Dey said that the conference will have scientific presentations, discussions on recent medical problems, debates on the problems faced by the professionals, poster and essay competition and quiz on medical and dental sciences and deliberation on the role of doctors in nation building. About 1500 doctors from all over the country are expected to attend the seminar, they said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the seminar while Governor Sri MC Bhandare will attend the concluding day. Besides, Law and
Industry Minister Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal and Higher Education Minister Sameer Dey would attend the seminar as guest speakers, they added. Sanjit Panda, Sanatan Tripathy and Nagen Pradhan were among those present at the press meet
Sunday, February 03, 2008
One Paragraph that explains life
Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?
To this Arthur Ashe replied:
"The world over -- 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis,
500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam,
50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals,
when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'.
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?' "
"Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrow keeps you Human,
Failure keeps you humble and
Success keeps you glowing,
but only Faith & Attitude Keeps you going...
To this Arthur Ashe replied:
"The world over -- 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis,
500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam,
50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals,
when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'.
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?' "
"Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrow keeps you Human,
Failure keeps you humble and
Success keeps you glowing,
but only Faith & Attitude Keeps you going...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Reports of NCM was one-sided, Bajrang Dal — demands action against a missionary orphanage
Bhubaneswar:(Visakeo)- Bajrang Dal, a frontal outfit of RSS on Sunday turned the reports of the fact-finding team of the National Commission for Minority as one-sided and an attempt appease only the Christian community. Speaking at a news conference here, Bajrang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan said that NCM did not visit Brahamnigaon village, which is Hindu majority village and affected severely. Such type of attitude of the Commission has clearly exposed its intention, Chouhan added. Orissa is receiving a sum of Rs 129 crorers every year for religious conversion but the State Government did not take any step to check the flow of foreign funds, he said.Alleging that the recent riots in Kandhamal district were caused by conversion and conspiracy by foreign funded NGOs, he demanded strict enforcement of anti-conversion law in Orissa. "We are not fully satisfied with the manner in which the anti-conversion law has been implemented in Orissa. The Freedom of Religion Act must be enforced strictly and action taken against its violators," Chouhan said.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal demanded action against a missionary orphanage in Bargarh.
He demanded arrest of those involved in the alleged sexual exploitation of girl inmates of a missionary-run orphanage at Talpadartikra village in Bargarh. As per reports, two girls fled the school after they allegedly witnessed some girl hostel inmates and teachers in compromising positions. Shocked they left the hostel with one of the girl being picked up by her maternal uncle while the other identified as Rukmani Hembram was rescued by the villagers. The girl has reportedly revealed that two of her friends have been sexually exploited by the teachers. The incident triggered tension in the area as Bajrang Dal activities had tried to break into the orphanage only to be prevented by the armed police. Later they blocked the NH demanding action against the orphanage.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal demanded action against a missionary orphanage in Bargarh.
He demanded arrest of those involved in the alleged sexual exploitation of girl inmates of a missionary-run orphanage at Talpadartikra village in Bargarh. As per reports, two girls fled the school after they allegedly witnessed some girl hostel inmates and teachers in compromising positions. Shocked they left the hostel with one of the girl being picked up by her maternal uncle while the other identified as Rukmani Hembram was rescued by the villagers. The girl has reportedly revealed that two of her friends have been sexually exploited by the teachers. The incident triggered tension in the area as Bajrang Dal activities had tried to break into the orphanage only to be prevented by the armed police. Later they blocked the NH demanding action against the orphanage.
Justice on Trial activists visit Kandhamal
Bhubaneswar: (Visakeo)-Activists of Justice on Trial, a Gujarat based NGO visited the communal violence affected Kandhamal district and meet the affected locals. The committees under the chairmanship of GS Gill, Additional Advocate General Rajasthan met the affected people, solace them and enquire into the nature of damage caused to life and properties, assess the extent of damage caused and to find out the assistance provided to those affected to meet the cost of damage caused. Others members of committee were retired IPS PC Dogra, Retired army officer MK Andhare, social activists Nafisa Hussain and Raj Kishor Pasari.
Matric exams may be delayed this year
Bhubaneswar: (Visakeo) This year's Matriculation Examination is likely to be delayed for some time. The exams that are of late being held in February or March are unlikely to begin as scheduled this year, sources said on Sunday. Hit by the former Minister Bishnu Das son's mark-sheet scandal, subsequent strike by employees and arrest of key officials, the State Board of Secondary Education (BSE) is running one month behind schedule. More so, the newly appointed officials to supervise the final school leaving examination are facing a lot of challenges as the tests this time would be conducted under a new set up, the source revealed. "As an alternative of usual 750 marks, the matriculation examination in the State this time would be held for 800 marks for the first time under a new syllabus. Optional papers, which were stopped for over a decade now, have been reintroduced again this year. Besides, at least four of the optional papers have practical examinations. All these new provisions demand a lot of exercise and paper works," said BSE official. Some new provisions, introduced for the first time to make the exam free and fair, is taking a lot of time, the official said. With a view to weeding out bogus candidates from the examinations, the BSE is introducing 'enrolment cards' for the class X students. "The enrolment cards which would have photographs of the students pasted on it along with the name and address of their parents would help identify the bona fide students during the time of examination", he added. Meanwhile, the application forms for the examinations which are now being filled up in different schools have also certain new provisions introduced for the first time. BSE officials however, asserted that the BSE with all the constraints is making a sincere effort to conduct the examination as per schedule in the month of March. "In worst case it may be delayed for a week or so. But we would soon announce the programme", the official said.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Buddha Vihar unearthed in Kendrapara
Kendrapara,(visakeo) -The remains of a Buddha vihar along with some stone images of Lord Ganesh and others were unearthed from a cremation ground in village Palei 15 km from here on Sunday.
Some workers stumbled across the ancient Buddha Vihar while they were digging earth to construct a wall after the railway authority acquired the area to build railway line from Haridaspur to Paradeep .
The workers stumbled upon a Buddha vihar beneath the earth after they dug five feet.
A two feet high decapitated image of Lord Ganesh having four hands, three feet long meditating Buddha image, an ancient three foot thick brick wall , many ceramic hoards, high framed earthen bowls tiny bowls, begging bowls, spout jars, terracotta lamps, many broken potteries, some stones with in scri ptions.
After the discovery of the remains of a Buddha vihar and other images and ancient things , many villagers stopped the digging work as hundreds of curious villagers gathered to witness the unearthing objects.
"The unearthed Buddhist monastery had perhaps been built in 8th century AD under the active royal patronage and propagation of a Buddhist king of Bhaumakura dynasty flourished within 8th to 11th, century AD in Orissa.
But, in 12th century, Hindu Rajas of Somabanshi and Gangs of Orissa were anti- Buddhism and pro- Bramahanical who could have possible demolished the Buddhist monastery at Palei and constructed a Shiva or Mahakala temple on the ruins of the Buddha vihar.
But, later on in 16th, century Muslim invaders demolished the Shiva or Mahakala temple as the Muslim rulers demolished and attacked many temples.
Hindu kings had also demolished Buddha vihars and constructed Mahakala temples on the ruins of Buddha vihar in Ratnagiri and Udayagiri two famous Buddhist monasteries in the area.
Four years back, the officials of Archeological Survey of India stumbled across a giant Buddha vihar beneath the Mahakala temple at Ratnagiri while the temple 's renovation works were going on ", said Dr Harischandra Prusti a noted Buddhist researcher .
The unearthed decapitated stone image of Lord Ganesh with four hands is a rare discovery in the state as the Lord Ganesh sits in "Maharajalilasana" posture" in the temple.
Out of four hands, one right hand holds a rosary. Another left hand holds a laddo. Third hand holds a noose (Brajapasana) The fourth hand which is missing perhaps held a Khadi (earthen pen). The stone image of Ganesh was carved out from a Khondolite stone", added Dr Prusti.
But both the Archeological Survey of India (ASI)and State Archeological Department (SAD) have been paying only little attention about the small unknown Buddhist sites for which many Buddha images and other archeological findings are gathering dusts in many villages.
In many cases, the antique lifters managed to pilfer the rare images in these areas ,said Bebarta Ajaya Ballava Das the vice-president of 'Buddhayan' an organization of Lalitagiri to protect the ancient Buddhist monasteries and artifacts.
Some unearthed objects like some Silas were stolen from Palei on Sunday night for which the police shifted the unearthed Ganesh image and other artifacts to the police station of Balichandrapur, said Sanata Nathasharma the officer-in-charge of Balichandrapur police station.
Some workers stumbled across the ancient Buddha Vihar while they were digging earth to construct a wall after the railway authority acquired the area to build railway line from Haridaspur to Paradeep .
The workers stumbled upon a Buddha vihar beneath the earth after they dug five feet.
A two feet high decapitated image of Lord Ganesh having four hands, three feet long meditating Buddha image, an ancient three foot thick brick wall , many ceramic hoards, high framed earthen bowls tiny bowls, begging bowls, spout jars, terracotta lamps, many broken potteries, some stones with in scri ptions.
After the discovery of the remains of a Buddha vihar and other images and ancient things , many villagers stopped the digging work as hundreds of curious villagers gathered to witness the unearthing objects.
"The unearthed Buddhist monastery had perhaps been built in 8th century AD under the active royal patronage and propagation of a Buddhist king of Bhaumakura dynasty flourished within 8th to 11th, century AD in Orissa.
But, in 12th century, Hindu Rajas of Somabanshi and Gangs of Orissa were anti- Buddhism and pro- Bramahanical who could have possible demolished the Buddhist monastery at Palei and constructed a Shiva or Mahakala temple on the ruins of the Buddha vihar.
But, later on in 16th, century Muslim invaders demolished the Shiva or Mahakala temple as the Muslim rulers demolished and attacked many temples.
Hindu kings had also demolished Buddha vihars and constructed Mahakala temples on the ruins of Buddha vihar in Ratnagiri and Udayagiri two famous Buddhist monasteries in the area.
Four years back, the officials of Archeological Survey of India stumbled across a giant Buddha vihar beneath the Mahakala temple at Ratnagiri while the temple 's renovation works were going on ", said Dr Harischandra Prusti a noted Buddhist researcher .
The unearthed decapitated stone image of Lord Ganesh with four hands is a rare discovery in the state as the Lord Ganesh sits in "Maharajalilasana" posture" in the temple.
Out of four hands, one right hand holds a rosary. Another left hand holds a laddo. Third hand holds a noose (Brajapasana) The fourth hand which is missing perhaps held a Khadi (earthen pen). The stone image of Ganesh was carved out from a Khondolite stone", added Dr Prusti.
But both the Archeological Survey of India (ASI)and State Archeological Department (SAD) have been paying only little attention about the small unknown Buddhist sites for which many Buddha images and other archeological findings are gathering dusts in many villages.
In many cases, the antique lifters managed to pilfer the rare images in these areas ,said Bebarta Ajaya Ballava Das the vice-president of 'Buddhayan' an organization of Lalitagiri to protect the ancient Buddhist monasteries and artifacts.
Some unearthed objects like some Silas were stolen from Palei on Sunday night for which the police shifted the unearthed Ganesh image and other artifacts to the police station of Balichandrapur, said Sanata Nathasharma the officer-in-charge of Balichandrapur police station.
People in Kandhamal are still scared: Oram
BHUBANESWAR:(visakeo) National BJP vice-president Jual Oram, MP, has stopped short of blaming the State Government for its failure to protect the Hindu minority in Kandhamal district and enforcing the Freedom of Religion Act in true spirit.
After visiting all the riot-hit villages in Kandhamal district, Oram accused some relatives of BJD MP Sugrib Singh of the attack on Swami Laxamananda Saraswati.
''Anger of the people particularly the Kui Samaj against former minister Padmanabha Behera is palpable,'' he said.
Oram who led a delegation of BJP leaders to the strife-torn district told mediapersons here on Wednesday that engraved marble blocks bearing Behera and names of his family members have been removed from the Jagannath temple at Phiringia.
Disputing the Government claim of providing adequate relief and security to the people, Oram said they were still in fear. Relief distributed among the people is not sufficient and there is no sign of police security in Gadapur and Daringbadi villages, Oram said.
His statement contravenes Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal's assertion that relief provided to the affected was adequate and there was not a single complaint about the quality of relief materials. Alleging large-scale conversion in the district, the BJP leader named a few NGOs, which were pumping in huge foreign aid for the purpose.
Although conversion through allurement is illegal, the administration has not been able to enforce the Freedom of Religion Act against the NGOs, he said. The situation in the district is so grave that the once majority Hindus have become a minority in many villages.
Asserting that majority of the houses torched during the communal clash belonged to the Hindus, Oram alleged that there is vilification campaign portraying them as villains internationally.
He further alleged that the district administration had failed to recover Government and community land under unauthorised occupation and restoration of tribal land from the clutches of non-tribals, mostly Christian converts.
Appreciating Government investigation into false caste certificate cases, he said this could have been done much earlier. He urged the Government to dismiss all those who have joined Government services by producing false caste certificate and take exemplary action against them.
To a question, Oram said that his party could have alerted the Government much before the incident as it was apprehending some unpleasant situation.
After visiting all the riot-hit villages in Kandhamal district, Oram accused some relatives of BJD MP Sugrib Singh of the attack on Swami Laxamananda Saraswati.
''Anger of the people particularly the Kui Samaj against former minister Padmanabha Behera is palpable,'' he said.
Oram who led a delegation of BJP leaders to the strife-torn district told mediapersons here on Wednesday that engraved marble blocks bearing Behera and names of his family members have been removed from the Jagannath temple at Phiringia.
Disputing the Government claim of providing adequate relief and security to the people, Oram said they were still in fear. Relief distributed among the people is not sufficient and there is no sign of police security in Gadapur and Daringbadi villages, Oram said.
His statement contravenes Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal's assertion that relief provided to the affected was adequate and there was not a single complaint about the quality of relief materials. Alleging large-scale conversion in the district, the BJP leader named a few NGOs, which were pumping in huge foreign aid for the purpose.
Although conversion through allurement is illegal, the administration has not been able to enforce the Freedom of Religion Act against the NGOs, he said. The situation in the district is so grave that the once majority Hindus have become a minority in many villages.
Asserting that majority of the houses torched during the communal clash belonged to the Hindus, Oram alleged that there is vilification campaign portraying them as villains internationally.
He further alleged that the district administration had failed to recover Government and community land under unauthorised occupation and restoration of tribal land from the clutches of non-tribals, mostly Christian converts.
Appreciating Government investigation into false caste certificate cases, he said this could have been done much earlier. He urged the Government to dismiss all those who have joined Government services by producing false caste certificate and take exemplary action against them.
To a question, Oram said that his party could have alerted the Government much before the incident as it was apprehending some unpleasant situation.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
RSS observes Makar Sankranti
Bhubaneswar: (Visakeo)-State unit of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangha observed Makar Sankranti utsav amid a host of programees. Sangha's Chandan Hajuri Sakha organized an utsav here in the premises of the Nehru Park at the Master Canteen Square. Itihasa Sankalan Samiti ,West Bengal,Orissa zonal Organising secretary Kamales Dash attended the ceremony. All the sakhas in Bhubaneswar including Chandrasekhar Pravat Sakha, Vani Vihar Pravat Sakha, Vir Sabar Kar Sakha, Sri Ram Pravat Sakha, Khandgiri, Chintamaniswar Sakha observed the Makar Sankranti. Besides, Sangha's all district units also observed. Chandan Hajuri Saka chief trainer Golak Chandra Das supervised the utsav. Orissa Vanabasi Kalyan Ashram State secretary Dr Laxmikant Das, BJP State Organising secretary Panchanan Rout, Sanskar Bharati State Organising secretary Niranjan Panda, former MLA Prasanna Patnaik, VHP district president NK Debata were among those present on this occasion. It might be mentioned here that Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of 'Magh' as a harvest festival. It is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship and marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara raasi), signifying the onset of Uttarayana Punyakalam, and is a day of celebration all over the country.
Sanskar Bharati to celebrate January 26th by worshipping Bharatmata
Bhubaneswar(Visakeo): Sanskar Bharati planed to celebrate the coming Republic Day by remembering the 150th anniversary of the first war of independence and worshipping the Bharatmata. "The celebration will be done in all the district of Orissa on the eve of the Republic Day" said the joint coordinator, Gyana Hota. Addressing a press conference Sri Hota said that the preparation for the celebration has been done in all around the state. An organizing committee has been made with the supervision of Harekrushna Bhoi. The task of the committee is to assemble the holy soil from the freedom fighters like Raktatirtha Eram, Laxmana Naik, Veer Surendra Sai, Baji Rout, Birsa Munda, Chakra Bisoi, Boxy Jagabandhu, Dala Behera, Raghu Divakar Naik and Bagha Jatin. The holy soils to be worshipped in all the District Head Quarter on 26 th January. Then the soils will be carried to the fort of Nana Saheb near Bethur with rituals. From 12th to 15th Jan the soils will be scarified with the water of the sacred rivers of India. Then the holy soils will reach to their respective places, he added.
Animal lovers protesting in Sulia, ignoring cow slaughtering- Bajranga dal
Bhubaneswar(Visakeo): The controversial 'Sulia Yatra' started on Tuesday in Khairaguda, Bolangir. How ever the Administrations and the Organization managed to strangle the massive animal killings in the festival for the last couple of years but they are not keen towards the cow slaughtering going in the state, charges the Bajrang Dal. The State President of Bajrang Dal, Umashankar charged by saying that the rituals being performed by the Adivasis in the Sulia Yatra for last 100 years are forcefully blocked but the State Administration failed to create awareness in the people regarding the cow slaughtering in the state. He also added that the Administrations took all the initiatives to stop the animal killing in the Sulia yatra even if the school children participated in the awareness programmes organized by the Sulia Suraksha Mancha. If such type of awareness takes place in all around the state, the illegal cow slaughtering will be come to an end, he said.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Conversions not out of choice
Bhubaneswar(Visakeo)-Appearing before the team of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday, Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati said that not a single person was converted to Christianity out of his choice. "They always adopt a means of allurement and fear to force and persuade innocent people to change religion," he said, adding that he was prepared for an open debate on this issue with any one.
Saraswati appeared before the Commission to record his statement. He further said conversion was going on rampantly in tribal areas. He further alleged that there has been large scale forgery of tribal certificates. "Most of the converted Christians forged Kui tribal certificates to get jobs," he said, adding that an inquiry could only expose the rackets behind it. He further said foreign funds also were diverted for the cause of conversion. "A mechanism should be evolved to regulate flow of foreign funds to NGOs," he demanded. Asked why he did not return to his Chakapada Ashram in Kandhamal, he said as tension continued he preferred not to go the Ashram at this point. "If I return the miscreants who want to create disturbances will take mileage out of it. Later, they will try to squarely blame me," he said. He demanded that an inquiry should be ordered to find out who were behind the attack on him. "I have been attacked nearly eight times. But no one has yet been arrested," said an emotionally-charged Lakshmanananda.
Later, a delegation led by general secretary of BJP Vinay Katiyar met the Swamiji and held a detailed discussion with him on the Kandhamal turmoil. Speaking to reporters, Katiyar said the attack on the Swamiji should be condemned. "I would raise this issue on the floor of the Parliament," he said, adding that Congress MP RK Nayak should be squarely blamed for all this. "He has been involved in conversion activities," Katiyar alleged, adding that action should initiated against him.
Saraswati appeared before the Commission to record his statement. He further said conversion was going on rampantly in tribal areas. He further alleged that there has been large scale forgery of tribal certificates. "Most of the converted Christians forged Kui tribal certificates to get jobs," he said, adding that an inquiry could only expose the rackets behind it. He further said foreign funds also were diverted for the cause of conversion. "A mechanism should be evolved to regulate flow of foreign funds to NGOs," he demanded. Asked why he did not return to his Chakapada Ashram in Kandhamal, he said as tension continued he preferred not to go the Ashram at this point. "If I return the miscreants who want to create disturbances will take mileage out of it. Later, they will try to squarely blame me," he said. He demanded that an inquiry should be ordered to find out who were behind the attack on him. "I have been attacked nearly eight times. But no one has yet been arrested," said an emotionally-charged Lakshmanananda.
Later, a delegation led by general secretary of BJP Vinay Katiyar met the Swamiji and held a detailed discussion with him on the Kandhamal turmoil. Speaking to reporters, Katiyar said the attack on the Swamiji should be condemned. "I would raise this issue on the floor of the Parliament," he said, adding that Congress MP RK Nayak should be squarely blamed for all this. "He has been involved in conversion activities," Katiyar alleged, adding that action should initiated against him.
Kandha Janajati Surakhya Manch - Kandhmal case
The recent spurt of violence has its immediate cause in the unprovoked and preplanned attack on Swami Laxananada Saraswati on the 24th December 2007. Nevertheless, before that the situation in the whole of Kandhamal district was surcharged with contempt against the converted 'Pana' Christians, who are guided by the Missionary Churches. Kandhamal District is overwhelmingly dominated by the tribal inhabitations who speak Kui dialect. There were small pockets of 'Pana' people who are scheduled castes but their percentage in 1950 census was very negligible as compared to that of the Kandha STs. The Missionary Churches had selected the district from British days for full conversion of its population. The Kandha tribals are characteristically very proud of their Hindu traditions and culture, though poor and uneducated. On the other hand, the 'Pana' SCc were vulnerable to the allurement of money, English education, employment assurance, foreign tours, etc. by the Missionaries, a section of whom got converted to Christianity. The Church using the converted Christians like Radhakanta Nayak, IAS (Retd.), John Nayak, IPS (Retd.), Isaac Behera, IAS and many others started grabbing the cultivable land belonging to the Kandha families and in the name of land disputes convert them under duress. Large number of 'Pana' SCs also started coming from adjacent districts and got settled in Kandhamal with an ulterior motive to out number the reticent Kandha tribals. Now since 2002, there has been a concerted effort to notify the 'Pana' caste capable of speaking Kui dialect, including those converted to Christianity as Scheduled Tribe under Article 342 of the Constitution by manipulating a Presidential notification in this regard. This move would greatly harm the socio-economic and political interests of the genuine tribal population of the State as a whole.
In 1983, the first Church came into existence in Katingia village. Initially the Church distributes medicines, clothes, food articles, alcohol drinks and then money to the poor and uneducated villagers. Later they demolish their place of worship called 'Dharani Penu'. One fine morning they are all told that they have all become Christians. Thatched houses are built on government land/ village land and named as churches. The Christian Missionaries are systematically grabbing the lands belonging to the local Kandha tribe in spite of High Court orders to the contrary. Until date, 22 acres in Barakhoma, 7 acres in Kelapada, 5 acres in Gresinga under Udayagiri Block, besides many in other parts of the district, are under illegal possession of the Church and the Christians, which actually belong to the Tribes. Since 1983, a large population has been converted to Christianity taking advantage of their illiteracy, extreme poverty, deprivation of medical facility and basics like communication, drinking water etc. In order to curb conversion by bribery, allurements, fraud and cheating the State Legislature has enacted a law in 1967. Not a single conversion has the support of the provisions of the said Act. Now and then, the Church priests have played with the simplicity and innocence of the tribal population to win over the tribals for conversion. The Missionaries operate also through many NGOs as front organisations. The World Vision is chief among those. Many schools with financial aid from the government operate where tribal children are compelled to read Bible. Preferential treatment on basis of religion is meted in the hostels and schools in matters of tuition fees. Ranganatha Mishra Committee report had suggested the extension of reservation facilities even to the converted Christians that sparked spontaneous reaction among the scheduled tribes in the district. False Caste / Tribe certificates were issued to the converted Christians for getting government employment from the reservation quota, which was protested, by the genuine SCs and STs. Therefore, the simmering discontent against conversion, land grabbing by the Churches and contempt against the conspiracy to extend reservation facility to the undeserving converted Christians under tutelage of converted 'Pana's like Radhakanta Nayak had already prepared the stage for the volcano to erupt which was ignited by the developments in Brahmanigaon on the eve of Christmas.
The local Church had decided this year, to celebrate the Christmas on the same altar where Hindus celebrate Durgapuja in Brahmanigaon. There was large scale protest and reaction among the Hindu villagers and the local Superintendent of Police interefered to assuage the tension and suggested to build a separate structure for X-mass celebration maintaining reasonable distance from the Puja mandap. In reaction, on 23 December 2007, the converted Christians set one Hotel and three shops to fire at Brahmanigaon in the very presence of the SP and the District Magistrate. The same morning, they started construction of their pandal on the plot which was protested by the Hindus. On 24 December Swamiji was on his way to Brahmanigaon, when at Darsingbadi a village with almost 100% converted Christians about 200 armed assailants attacked Swamiji. The injured Swamiji along with his injured PSO and driver went to the nearest Daringbadi PS seeking protection. By that time about 2000 supported of Swamiji had gathered near the PS. Soon after departure of the Swamiji for medical aid, the Police lathicharged the supporters of Swamiji at Daringbadi. This action of the Police was utterly uncalled for and highly provocative to the Kandha people.
In order to protest against the conspiracy to reschedule the Kui speaking 'Pana' as scheduled tribe, there was a call for Bundh on 25 December for which the protestors had already started putting logs on the roads etc. from midnight in the area. Shri Lambodar Kanhar and party were attacked by the converted Christians helped by Police at Surudukumpa in the evening on 24 December 2007. There was lot of tension spreading like bonfire whole over the district. On 25 December 2007 at Jaleswarpada the Kui Sanskrutika Parishad had a prefixed meeting. But the Christians attacked the Kanyashrama and torched two dwelling houses. There was mass scale stoning on the peaceful protestors by the Christians who had gathered in the Church premises as preplanned. One Khageswar Mullick was lynched to death by the Christians by hitting with stones as he was left behind by the protestors.
On 27 December, there was large scale arson on Hindu pockets in Brahmanigaon with the help of armed Maoists. In the carnage, the SP of Gajapati District and a constable were severely injured. The anti-riot CRPF personnel could arrest Maoists and seized more than 20 guns, AK – 47 Rifles and crude bombs from the arrested persons. One thing is at least proved that there was plan to commit violence on the eve of X-Mass with the direct collusion with the armed Maoists and provoke the tribals by attacking and killing the Swamijee. By putting, many Churches made of thatch and mud walls, unto fire, blame and defame India and the Hindus in the international circle. This will not only tarnish the secular image of India abroad but also help in attracting lots of fund from foreign countries. Finally, it would also benefit by terrorizing the tribals conversion among them as it is done in the North-East India.
Vishwa Sambad Kendra, Orissa
A-16,Kharavel nagar, Bhubaneswar
Thursday, January 10, 2008
VHP delegation meets Advani over Kandhamal row
Bhubaneswar :(10/1) A VHP delegation from Orissa led by general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath late night on Wednesday met Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha LK Advani , Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Jaswant Singh and senior leader Sushma Swaraj seeking their intervention into the conspiracy being hatched by the Christian missionary in tribal dominated Kandhamal district. The VHP delegation urged the senior BJP leader Advani to take up the issue and raise it in Parliament. The delegation demanded before the BJP senior leadership that the Central Government should check foreign funding to the NGOs and Church establishments and frame laws to scrutinize the activities of these organizations and protect all the rights and facilities provided to the SCs & STs and to prevent others (non SC & ST) from taking away those facilities by fraud. Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram State general secretary Laxmi Kant Dash, VHP national general secretary Mohan Joshi and few affected people from Kandhamal were among those in the delegation. VHP State general secretary Rath said "We have apprised Advani, Singh and Swaraj about the whole incident and they have assured us all help," He further said that VHP would intensify agitation if the State Government failed to control conversion and stop foreign funding to Churches .
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Evil intention of foreign funded Organsations and Church establishments to get more funds is the main cause of disturbance in Kandhamal (Orissa)
New Delhi, (visakeo)-January 08, 2008 - The incidents that happened in Kandhamal district of Orissa were unfortunate. We are very much worried about the life and property of the minority Hindu community of Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district who were very much affected by the recent violence.
The most dangerous facts which comes out of the analysis of the incidents happened during this period indicates the aggressive attitude and evil design of the converted Pano Christans motivated by Church and other Christian Organisation like YMCA, World Vision, Phulbani, Jan Kalyan Sasha etc. You can better understand from the following instances:
1. Brahmanigaon
Conflict started at Brahmanigaon on 20th December 2007 as the Church people with the local Christians constructed a huge gate covering the main road and a portion of the Durga Puja Mandap. When prevented by the local public on 23rd Christians started beating and even dishonor the peace meeting of the administration.
2. Attack on Swami Laxmananda Saraswatiji Maharaj
Fatal attack on Swami Laxmananda Saraswatiji, his driver, security and his associates obstructing his vehicle on way to Bramhanigaon at Darsingbadi by a group of armed Christians on 24 th December 2007
Barakhamba killing of Khageswar Mallick
Christian women petted stones at the Hindus returning from a procession when an old tribal Khageswar Mallick fell down, he was brutally stoned to death on 24 th evening.
When Bhikari Sethi a Vendor of Birikot village of Gajapati district was alone near Bramhanigon some Christians burnt him with kerosene. He is saved by the Police and other Hindu villagers and now undergoing treatment at M KC G Medical College hospital.
On 27th nearly 3000 Christians of nearby villages of Ganjam, Gajapati with the local Christians attacked the Bramhanigaon villagers with arms and ammunitions and also with the help of naxales. When the villagers fled away and surrendered at the police station, the Christians torched the whole village and attacked the police station. Exchange of fire continued for more than four hours. One police and the Gajapati S.P. who were there at that time were injured. One Christian was killed by the police firing.
A young Christian who was seriously injured in the fighting later found hiding in the Christian Sahi confessed the plan and program of the attackers before the S.P. which has been recorded.
The most important factor which has made the Kondh tribal most disturbed is the illegal demand of S.T . status to some converted Pano Christians who are deprived of S.C facilities due to their conversion by a planned conspiracy. Radhakant Nayak an Retd I A S now M.P Rajya Sabha, who is a converted Christian got SC facility stating himself as Hindu is charged as the main conspirator by the Kandha community.
A large number of Christians who are converted are getting SC facilities by false Caste certificates and some of them even got S.T. certificates and serving in various Government departments like Radhakant Nayank, John Nayak IPS retd, Isac Behera IAS retd and several others. A list of 130 such names has been submitted by Kandh organization to the State Government.
Christians have forcibly and illegally constructed houses, Churches and other Christian establishments on lands of tribals which they could not get back after Court order causing resentment amongst the tribal like Barakhama and Sukhananda and many other places (published in Samaj Oriya Daily dated 4-1-08)
Houses, shops and vehicles of Hindus are looted and burnt in many villages where Hindus are in minority.
During the whole incidents not a single Christian was attacked. Nearly 25 Hindus were injured by Christians at different places. Large quantity of Arms were seized from the Houses of Christians at Bramhanigaon.
Christians have beaten and threatened to kill in many villages where Hindus are in minority like Gadapur, Katingia, Tiarigaon etc which compelled the villagers to flee to the jungle or to a safer place. 95 families comprising 430 persons in Katingia and Tiarigaon of Bramahnigaon P.S are fled away to Merikot of Ganjam and several others are in the jungles.
Knowing that Government will provide them with indira Awas Christians themselves burnt the houses. Similarly church institutions torched their so-called Jhopadi churches to get foreign aid and leveled blame on nearby Hindu community. Several such instances were reported false by courts in the previous years. Now it has been also supported by the Statement of D.G. Police (Published in the Indian Express on 5-1-2008)
All India Christian Forum leader John Dayal has admitted that Christians have attacked Bramahanigaon village and involved in the violence.
From the above facts one can easily understand the poor innocent Christians of such remote areas could not have done such things in a planned way without the support of any big foreign funding organization. There is hidden hand of world vision, YMCA, NISWASS etc and Church organization behind such incidents.
The evil intention of these foreign funded organization and Institutions are to create social disharmony and conflict by which they will get more foreign fund and tarnish the image of the Nation.
Therefore we demand
1) Govt of India should check foreign funding to the NGOs and Church establishments and frame laws to scrutinize the activities of these organizations.
2) To protect all the rights and facilities provided to the SCs & STs and to prevent others (non SC & ST) from taking away those facilities by fraud.
- Released by Gauri Prasad Rath, VHP-Orissa & Dr Laxmi Kant Dash, Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram-Orissa from Delhi Camp
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Kandhamal violence is not communal, speakers
Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)-Kandhamal violence was not communal but a case of caste conflict among tribal. Only Missionaries and some political party have turn the issue as communal, speakers while attending a seminar on Why Kandhamal is burning organized by Pragyan Prabaha here on Monday evening. Quoting the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, they said that the number of churches are reaching at all time high in the district, which is main reason for conversion, they said. Kandhamal and Bauddh districts were carved out of Phulbani in the last decade. There were 75,800 Christians ( 8.8 per cent of the population) in the composite Phulbani district in 1991, which rose to 118,200 (11.6 per cent) in 2001. Kandhamal was carved in a manner that it encompassed almost all Christians of the old composite district. Thus, while Kandhamal has 118,000 Christians ( 18.2 per cent of its population), Bauddh district has only 239-odd Christians, they argued. Former Sambalpur University VC Pradip Chandra Tripathy, writer Bhagirathi Mahasuar, VHP State president Bipin Bihari Rath, educationist Indulata Das, Gangandhar Nanda and Bibhuti Bhusan Patnaik were among those speakers delivered their views. According to the 2001 Census, Scheduled Tribes comprise 52 per cent of the population of Kandhamal and Scheduled Castes about 19 per cent. More than 60 per cent of the Christians hail from the Pana community, which is SC, and speak the Kui language of the local Kui Vanvasis. As 'Dalit Christians' are not entitled to SC reservations, the church organisations are demanding ST status for the Pana Christians. This is because the Indian Constitution failed to properly define Scheduled Tribes and the critical issue whether converts to Christianity could be classified as STs, they added.
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