New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today alleged that Christians in Orissa were involved in "a strategy" of burning their own properties for claiming compensation and to malign Hindus and the state government.

"The Christians burnt their properties to claim compensation and malign the Hindus and the state government," senior VHP leader Mohan Joshi charged.

On the alleged role of the Bajrang Dal in the Kandamal violence, Joshi said here: "there is no such unit in the state. We have only conveners there."

When asked about Maoists claim that they killed Swami Laxmananda, he said: "they are people either faking to be Maoists, or people who have been hands-in-glove with the Christian groups. Maoists are not known to burn down temples and do such acts..."

The veteran leader was elusive when asked on the possibility of the VHP s withdrawal of support from the Orissa government.

"Dismissing the government is not the way for addressing the problem and it will neither help in this situation," he said.
Source : PTI