Hundreds of Congress activists Sunday took out a massive rally in BJP strong hold Baliguda town in Orissa's Kandhamal district.  

Congress workers marched through the main roads of the town spreading the message of communal harmony among the people.

As the rally passed through the town, a large number of local residents belonging to different sections of society and communities joined the march seeking restoration of peace in the district, which had been witnessing violence since the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23. The activists marched in holding party flags, placards and banners seeking peace in the region.

According to Govt. Reports, at least 40 people were killed in communal violence and thousands of homes were torched in Kandhamal. Among others, Union Minister Ajay Makan and State Congress President Jayadev Jena were present. The leaders however demanded resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and CBI probe into the violence.

Meanwhile, the curfew was completely lifted from Baliguda, Phulbani, Tumudibandh, Phiringia areas while night curfew continued in areas of Tikabali, K.Nuagaon, Raikia, G.Udaygiri and Sarangagada.

The restrictions imposed under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code were also lifted in Kandhamal district, police sources said.