Bhubaneswar, Dec27: Curfew has been relaxed in four towns of Orissa’s Kandhamal District today.

The situation in some parts has improved. But tension continued in other areas such as Baliguda and Daringibadi. Many Christian families flee homes in Barkhama.

Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik has reviewed the situation and the steps being taken to bring normalcy in Kandhamal district. Meanwhile, the Centre has asked the State Government for a detailed report.

According to sources, a peace committee meeting will be held in Phulbani.

Fresh incidents of violence were reported from curfew-bound areas of Barakhama and Jaleshpata on Wednesday.

According to police, four houses were torched outside Abraham, and six others were set on fire in Jaleshpata.

Laxmanananda Saraswati, a VHP leader and prominent anti-conversion activist was allegedly attacked on Monday that gave a violent turn to things.

Violence broke out in Phulbani, Baliguda, Daringibadi and Brahmanigaon as VHP activists ransacked six churches in Baliguda area disrupted Christmas festivities on Tuesday.

More than 27 platoons of armed police and three companies of CRPF have been deployed in the district to prevent further escalation of violence.

As a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders were also imposed in Phiringia, Tikabali, Udaigiri and Raikia.

The CPM has condemned the attacks on minorities and their institutions. In a press statement in New Delhi, the Polit Bureau accused the Orissa Government of having failed to protect them and their property. It demanded deployment of adequate security forces in the affected areas and punishment to those responsible for the violence. (ANI)