Bhubaneswar: Notwithstanding the shoot-at-sight order imposed in eight blocks of riot-ravaged Kandhamal, violence continued today in remote areas of the communally sensitive district in a backlash to the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati claiming ten lives in Orissa so far.

Information about some incidents were received from some remote places of Tikabali, G Udaygiri and other areas while the situation was under control in most areas of Kandhamal, District Collector Krishan Kumar told PTI over phone.

"Though tension prevails, the situation has been brought under control in 6/7 out of the 12 blocks of the district," he said adding shoot-at-sight order and curfew remained in force in eight blocks as part of efforts to restore normalcy.

Deputy Inspector General of Police R P Koche said there has been substantial improvement in the situation though some violence was reported from Kotgad area and "We are gathering details about the incident."

Some additional central forces have arrived in troubled areas while more were expected soon, he said.

The BJD-BJP government headed by Naveen Patnaik has come under sharp attack from different quarters with all major political parties including Congress, demanding his resignation, following the killing of Saraswati on the night of August 23 and unabated violence since then.

The government has also been indicted by the Centre with Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal voicing displeasure over steps taken to contain violence.

Violence spread to areas outside Kandhamal too with some incidents reported from Sundergarh, Rayagada, Gajapati and Bolangir districts.
Source : PTI