Copters provide security over Orissa areas

NEW DELHI, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Helicopters patrolled the skies Wednesday over violence-wracked areas of India after Christians expressed fear of hostilities during Christmas.

Union Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram discussed the situation in Kandhamal and Sambalpur districts of Orissa with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, asking for help in providing security, the Press Trust of India reported. The districts have been the scenes of conflict between Hindus and Christians.

"Today, the central government has provided a helicopter to the state government for patrolling over Kandhamal and Sambalpur districts," Chidambaram said in a statement. "I have impressed upon him that it is the responsibility of the state government to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of all sections of the people in the state."

Besides 2,400 Central Reserve Police Force personnel deployed on a long-term basis in Orissa, PTI said the central government has provided 5,300 security troops.