Bargarh (Orissa): Accusing the BJD-BJP government in Orissa of allowing provocative gatherings of communal outfits but preventing peace rallies of secular organisations, the Congress today demanded a white paper on the riots after Laxmanananda Saraswati's killing.

A political resolution adopted by the executive body of Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) here demanded an all party meeting, formation of peace committees and said a white paper should be brought out on the riots and the number of people killed therein.

Alleging that the communal riots were being sponsored by the state government, the Congress accused ministers of playing communal cards to communally affect next elections.

Demanding resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the murder of Swamiji and subsequent riots, Union Minister and AICC in-charge for Orissa Ajay Maken accused him of being hand in gloves with "the designs of communal forces of converting Orissa into a laboratory of sectarian politics".

Demanding a CBI probe into the entire episode, the resolution termed the judicial inquiry declared by the state government as an eye wash and alleged that the chief minister did not provide protection to Swamiji which led to his murder and triggered largescale communal violence.

Inspite of an undertaking given to the Supreme Court, the state government let holding of a congregation at Bhubaneswar and provided police protection too, it claimed.

"The state government is allowing provocative public congregations of communal outfits but peace march by Congress and well meaning secular organisations and visits aimed at providing healing touch are being prevented," the resolution said.
Source : PTI