Bhubaneswar: More than 5,000 security men were deployed and a helicopter pressed into surveillance today in riot-hit Kandhamal district of Orissa as Chrisitians there prepared to celebrate the Christmas amidst a feeling of insecurity and appeals for peace during the celebrations.

The government sealed all entry points to Kandhamal, which witnessed largescale violence following the killing of VHP leader Laxmananda Saraswati, also decided to press into service a helicopter to patrol the riot-hit areas of Kandhamal and Sambalpur districts.

"Besides adequate number of central forces, we have got a chopper for the patrolling on Christmas day", DGP Manmohan Praharaj said.

About 4000 para-military personnel, 1,000 state armed force and general police have been deployed in the district, official sources said.

Besides Kandhamal, the state government has identified Sambalpur and Sundergarh as sensitive districts where security arrangements have been made extensively.

"We have made security arrangement in 30 churches of Kandhamal for smooth celebration of the festival", Home Secretary Aditya Padhi said adding every possible step was taken to ensure incident-free Christmas.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Hindu Jagaran Samukshya, which opposed conversion by missionaries, appealed for peaceful Christmas but Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Rapheal Cheenath said tension continued to simmer in Kandhamal and people in remote areas of the district were apprehensive of trouble during the Christmas tonight and tomorrow.

Source : PTI