Pawar for ban on Christmas bandh

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Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, Nov 19: Taking a serious view on the proposed Orissa bandh threat given by VHP, RSS and Laxamananda Smruti Samiti, the ministerial delegation headed by Mr Sharad Pawar told chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik to "use his good offices" to see that it does not take place on a festive day and to ensure safety of life and property of people.
Mr Pawar’s note of caution to the CM assumes great significance in the backdrop of the fact that the Orissa bandh threat was issued at a rally and meeting held on 15 November in the presence of several ruling BJP ministers and leaders.
The home ministry had advised the state government not to permit the 15 November rally as it was lead to breach of peace but the state had assessed the situation and accorded permission.
Sensing trouble, Mr Pawar wondered why have a bandh on Christmas day, generally such agitation and bandhs are never held on festive days be it Christmas, Chat puja, Diwali or anywhere in the country.
If the bandh takes place on 25 December, it is the responsibility of the state government to protect life and property of all sections of people, said Mr Pawar.
Apparently embarrassed over the fact that some of his ministers were present at the rally when the threat was issued, chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik said "there should not be a bandh on Christmas day". He also mentioned apprehension of breach of peace but did not say whether he would appeal to the Samiti and Sangh Parivar to desist from such action.
Talking to reporters Mr Pawar made several telling points on the situation in Kandhamal district. We are not mandated to comment on the performance of the state or its handling of the Kandhamal situation, we will submit out report to the PM, maintained Pawar but went on to observe that the situation in the trouble torn district was tense.
There is tension and fear in the minds of people belonging to both sections, he said referring to those who were in relief camps and those who had fled to jungles fearing police action.
The state government should involve all sections in the peace process, the image of the state and nation is at stake, he observed.
People need to return to villages, harvest their crop and development activity has to be stepped up, he said.