The district administration of the communally sensitive Kandhamal has made elborate arrangements for the Christmas in view of a 24-hour band call given by the Kui Samaj Samanway Samiti (KSSS), an apex body of local tribals.
A four-hour long discussion between members of the KSSS and district administration has failed to yield any result as the tribal leaders are adamant on their demands.
The bandh call will not be withdrawn unless the government fulfilled long standing demands of tribals, said KSSS secretary Lambodar Kanhar.
"The talk with KSSS leaders have failed," said Kandhamal sub-collector Debesh Biswal.
However, Kandhamal District Collector N Tirumalla said, "The negotiation with KSSS members is continuing."
Kanhar said, although the Collector kept assuring KSSS that their demands will be addressed, the state has been dithering on important demands including the arrest of the killers of Khageswar Mallik who was killed in an alleged attack by a particular community at Barkhama in December 2007, identification and dismissal of all the persons who occupy government jobs on the basis of fake caste certificates and restoration of tribals' rights over land grabbed by non-tribals.
Meanwhile, sources said the administration had deployed at least 40 platoon (120 persons) of security personnel in every nook and corner of the communally sensitive district besides policemen staging flag marches at Phulbani, G Udaygiri, Raikia, Tikabali, Baliguda and other places.
Personnel belogning to CRPF, OSAP (Odisha Special Armed Police), SPO (special police officers), APR (armed police reserve) and general police have been deloyed at sensitive locations in the district and certain identified churches here, a senior police officer said adding that even security personnel would be present in lanes and streets dominated by the minority community.
"The police is alert to face any eventuality. We will ensure a free and fearless Chiristmas tomorrow," Kandhamal SP K V Singh told reporters.
