Christians hired Maoists to kill Hindu activist in Orissa

‘Hindus feel unsafe in Kandhamal’

Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar/Berhampur

Even as the name of Dhanu Pradhan, who was killed by militants in Kumarigaon on Wednesday, figured among the 14 Hindu activists in the posters pasted on the Kandhamal-Gajapati border by the Leftwing guerillas a few days ago, the district administration failed to provide him protection, alleged Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram general secretary Laxmikanta Dash at a news conference in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Dhanu was a member of the Ashram and the concerned DSP had earlier been informed in writing about the threat to his life, he said, adding that the people from Hindu community are not feeling secured in Brahmanigaon and other Christian dominated areas. The Christians are hatching conspiracy against the Hindu activists and they are hiring the Maoists to wipe out them, he alleged.

Demanding ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for Dhanu’s family and immediate arrest of the killers and conspirators of the killing, the Ashram’s activists will submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister on Friday. They have also planned to stage a mass dharna on November 15, he said, adding that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati would be commemorated during the dharna. Swami Pranarupananda, an associate of departed Laxmanananda was also present.

Meanwhile, the body of slain Dhanu was cremated at his village Kumarigaon. One platoon police force have been deployed and combing operations have been intensified in the in the tease-stricken area.

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