Author: Special Correspondent
Publication: The Telegraph
Date: September 8, 2008
URL: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080908/jsp/frontpage/story_9801681.jsp
Shodashi Mahotsav, a special programme observed
in memory of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, was performed at Chakapada
in Kandhamal, some 270km from Bhubaneswar, amid unprecedented security.
The 84-year-old swamiji was gunned down at
a Jalespeta ashram in Tumudibandh in Kandhamal on the night of August 23,
with four of his associates. Chakapada was the swamiji's workplace, where
he had set up an ashram 40 years ago. There, the seer was given a bhu samadhi
or a burial on August 25.
According to rituals, sadhus are buried and
not cremated unlike other Hindus, and on the 16th day of their death a Shodashi
Mahotsav is held.
Though a supposed kalash yatra proposed by
VHP secretary-general Praveen Togadia on the occasion was banned by the district
administration according to an assurance made by the state government to the
Supreme court, the Shodashi Mahotsav was allowed to be performed amid tight
security today. Kandhamal was declared a no-entry zone, with all its six entry
points being sealed to prevent mischief makers from entering the violence-hit
district during the special programme, said superintendent of police Praveen
Kumar.
Even forest roads connecting Chakapada with
neighbouring districts of Gajapati, Rayagada, Ganjam, Nayagarh and Kalahandi
were blocked, the police sources said.
As many as five companies of CRPF, two companies
of Rapid Action Force and 30 platoons of the Orissa State Armed Force were
deployed in the district.
No vehicles or groups were allowed to enter
the district and travel near the ashram. Those who attended the ceremony had
to walk down kilometres to reach the venue.
A day's curfew continued in Tikabali, Baliguda
and K-Nuagaon as a precautionary measure, while in six other places it was
relaxed during the day, said Praveen Kumar.
District collector Krishna Kumar, SP Praveen
Kumar and senior officers camped at Chakapada to keep a strict vigil on the
situation.
Revenue divisional commissioner (southern
division) Satyabrata Sahu, who visited the venue in the morning told The Telegraph:
"The situation is peaceful and under control. No untoward incidents were
reported."
Thanking the people for their co-operation,
Sahu said the administration was contemplating to relax the curfew during
the day.
He added that adequate security had been taken
to protect life and property of people of Kandhamal according to a Supreme
Court directive.
More than 1,000 sadhus, followers of the slain
seer and activists of VHP, RSS and Sangh Parivar, including VHP national-general
secretary Ashok Tiwari, participated in the mahotsav.
Sixteen Shivlingas were installed near the
swamiji's burial amid special prayers, sankirtan, shlokas and yagna. However,
hundreds of sadhus and followers could not reach Chakapapada and had to return
disappointed as vehicles and groups were not allowed.