“Words fail to denounce the reprehensible and ghastly manner in which 84-year-old Swami Laxmananandaji along with two other sannyasis, a sadhavi and the father of one of the inmates of the girls? hostel, were murdered in his ashram at a place called Jalaskata at 8 pm on August 23.
Even before our Independence the Christian missionaries were active in that area in proselytising simple and unassuming people belonging to Kondh and other tribes by taking advantage of their illiteracy and utter poverty. Swami Laxmananandaji made that area his abode about 40 years ago and established his ashram at Chakapad. By his relentless efforts he not only put a brake to proselytisation but was also able to wean back the converted tribals back to the Hindu fold. Because of this he had become an eyesore for the missionaries.
Earlier also seven major attempts had been made on his life but every time he had a providential escape. After every attempt the tribal people had expressed their strong resentment in different ways. But the state government, however, did not provide enough security to Swamiji and at last on that murderous night Swamiji was assassinated brutally.
Some four or five of the culprits have been arrested and the state government has ordered a judicial probe into the incident. Let us hope that the truth will come out at its earliest and the culprits will be punished sternly.
My humble homage to Swami Laxmananandaji, Swami Amritanandaji, Kishore Baba, Mata Bhaktimayi and father of the inmate of grils? hostel. Only a few hours before, Swamiji had told to one of his devotees that those who are engaged in defending their dharma and the motherland should have no fear of death. My salutations to all those martyr.?
