KalingaTV News Network
Kandhamal: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) observed a 12-hr bandh in the district, protesting State Government’s decision to handover the Baliguda Jagannath Temple to endowment department.
VHP activists staged road blockades at various places in the district supporting the bandh which remains in effect from 5 AM to 5 PM hitting vehicular traffic to a large extent. A scuffle was also ensued between police forces and bandh supporters at Gandhi Square in the Phulbani town, after which Kandhamal VHP unit’s General Secretary Paresh Mohapatra was taken into custody.
Trouble erupted in the district on November 28 after the district administration took the decision to handover the Baliguda Jagannath Temple to state endowment department. Following the decision VHP alleged that the move is aimed at hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus. The Parishad opted for a dawn-to-dusk bandh in the district after the administration did not pay heed to its demand for repealing of the decision.
VHP is also planning to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik demanding immediate intervention in the matter.
Ms Kalinga