"Even as situation in Kandhamal is under control, the state has decided to send additional force to the district," Patnaik told reporters after reviewing the prevailing situation across the state.

The state government's decision to send additional force to Kandhamal district was taken after Orissa assured the Supreme Court on Thursday that it would not allow VHP leader Pravin Togadia to go ahead with his proposed yatra from Saraswati's ashram at Chakapada on September 7.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials including the chief secretary A K Tripaty and DGP G C Nanda to keep a "close watch" on Kandhamal situation till Sunday as the VHP was planning to hold a massive convention of sadhus from across the country to commemorate 16th day of Saraswati' death, sources said.

"Though as many as 23 companies of para-military forces were deployed in Kandhamal, Chief Minister asked for additional deployment for the VHP's programme," a senior Home department official said.

Meanwhile, the VHP too toned down its proposed yatra in view of nationwide hue and cry over its plan.