Centre rushes more forces to Orissa

NEW DELHI: The Union home ministry on Wednesday released 10 more companies of CPMFs for Orissa to contain the fresh attacks on Christian institutions.

Of these, six have already reached Orissa while the remaining are on their way. On Tuesday, a woman was killed in fresh anti-Christian attacks in Kandhamal, where most of the attacks on members and institutions of the minority community have been concentrated.

The then special secretary(internal security) in the MHA, Mr M L Kumawat had on September 25 aired the MHA���s view that Orissa had not deployed the 43 companies of CPMF made available to it where they were most required.

���There is considerable scope for optimisation of deployment and utilisation of these forces,��� the MHA had pointed out in its communication to Orissa also dated September 25, which called upon the state to control the ���prevailing situation of apparent lawlessness in some areas.���

According to sources, the ���stern��� warning to Orissa almost coincided with the receipt of a request from the state for additional forces ���in view of the spreading communal fire.��� One would have thought MHA would reiterate its tough view ruling out ���more forces till they were adequately utilised.���