CPI-M wants Article 355 imposed in Orissa

Accusing the UPA government of failing to check anti-Christian violence, the CPI(M) on Tuesday demanded invocation of Article 355 to issue "specific directive" to Orissa government to arrest the culprits involved in the attacks on the minority community.

"It is not enough to issue advisory letters. The Centre should exercise its powers under Article 355 and issue directives to ensure that the culprits are brought to book," the party general secretary Prakash Karat told reporters in Hyderabad.

Stating that there was "enough evidence" of Bajrang Dal's role in the violent attacks on Christians in Orissa, he demanded strong action against the Sangh Parivar outfit under the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act.

The CPI(M) wondered why the Centre had not initiated strong action even after Bajrang Dal claimed responsibility for the attacks in Orissa and other states.

"Action should be taken against any organisation, be it majority or minority, indulging in extremist activities," Karat said.

The situation in violence-hit Orissa continued to be serious with attacks on Christians unchecked, he said his party had already demanded CBI probe into the rape of a nun and the killing of Christians.

He alleged that BJP and the Sangh Parivar were "fomenting communal trouble" across the country with an eye on the coming elections.

"They are trying to create communal polarisation in view of the elections. This is highly condemnable," Karat said.