Bhubaneswar, August 27
Authorities today issued shoot-at-sight orders following unabated arson and violence at several places in Orissa’s curfew-bound Kandhamal district even as the Centre voiced its displeasure over steps taken to tackle the riots.

“We have issued shoot-at-sight orders following large-scale violence and rioting in some curfew-bound areas of Kandhamal district,” revenue divisional commissioner, southern division, Satyabrata Sahu, said over phone.

Shoot-at-sight was ordered in places like Phulbani, Baliguda, Tumudibandh, Raikia, Nuagaon, G. Udaygiri, Tikabali and Sankarakhol, a senior official said.

The authorities issued the order after a large number of people armed with sticks and sharp-edged weapons defied curfew restrictions and indulged in arson and violence in several places between Baliguda and G. Udaygiri, he said.

Large-scale violence took place in Raikia where two persons were critically injured in mob attack, said Sahu who has been camping in the district.

On a visit to the state, union minister of state for home Sriprakash Jaiswal said, “Had they taken effective steps, the situation could have been controlled. So far, the situation is out of control. This is a matter of concern for us.” — PTI

Benedict said he was profoundly saddened by the violence that has left at least 11 people dead, nearly all Christians, and by destruction of Christian homes, churches and orphanages at the hands of Hindu mobs in eastern Orissa state.

“While I firmly condemn every attack on human life, whose sacredness required respect by all, I express my spiritual closeness and solidarity to the brothers and sisters in the faith who are so sorely tried,” he told pilgrims and tourists at his general audience. — Reuters