Bhubaneswar, Jan 4 : Rehabilitation work is going on in full swing in violence-hit Kandhamal District of Orissa, State Government officials said today.

Officials said the steps are being taken to ensure normalcy in the areas hit by violence over Christmas celebrations.

State Home Secretary Tarun Kant Mishra said that the administration is engaged in exercises to build confidence among the people scared following the violence.

"The nodal officers are moving in different areas of the district on motorcycles and trying to build up the confidence," said Mishra.

Two persons were killed and over a dozen churches and three temples were damaged in clashes between Hindus and Christians in the tribal areas of Kandhamal District after violence erupted on December 24, 2007.

Some Hindu organisations have accused the authorities of being partial in providing relief to the riot victims.

Vanvasi Kalyan, an offshoot of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), staged a demonstration today to protest against the alleged special attention being given to the Christian community in the State.

Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram All India President Jagadev Ram Oram said: "The Government should take action against the people who are spreading violence. The Hindus have left their villages and are taking refuge in other places. We should try to get them back."

At least three people were killed in the violence that was sparked off on December 24 when Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists led mobs burnt down churches.

Over a dozen churches and prayer houses in Kandhamal District were torched by the suspected saffron activists over Christmas celebrations.

The saffron activists were reportedly agitated following an attack on VHP leader Laxamanananda Saraswati, who led an anti-conversion movement. (ANI)