JAGATSINGHPUR, INDIA, October 20, 2008: A group of Hindu sadhus has demanded increased security at temples and for priests in Orissa, fearing further attacks against the community after the killing of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati and four of his aides last August. The gunmen remain unidentified, and Hindus want protection for themselves and their temples.
Swami Arupananda, president of the Nikhil Utkal Math-Mandiradhish Sevasangha, said Sunday, “No security is provided to the over 40,000 temples across the state and its priests and saints. The state government should take steps to protect them.” He added that Hindu seers felt threatened after the killing of Saraswati.
A Christian group, meanwhile, pointed out that the communal violence following the murders had been aimed against Christians and not against Hindus. Maoist rebels have claimed responsibility for the murders, but some Hindu groups held Christians responsible for it, despite repeated denials by Christian organizations.