Special Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa government on Monday imposed a ban on all yatras in connection with the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Lakshmanananda.
This follows the interim orders of the Supreme Court to maintain peace and protect Christians in the State.
The VHP, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bajrang Dal and their allies had announced that they would take out yatras in every village to spread the ‘message’ of the Swami killed in Kandhamal district on August 23.
Collectors of all 30 districts were asked to ensure no rallies and processions were taken, Home Secretary Tarun Kanti Mishra told journalists here. Mr. Mishra claimed normality was fast returning to Kandhamal district, which witnessed widespread attacks on Christians following the killing of the Swami.
According to Mr. Mishra, the State government would inform the Supreme Court on September 11 about the measures taken to restore peace in Kandhamal.
