Amnesty issues statement urging protection for Christians

Amnesty International, a non–governmental organization founded in the UK, has urged India to act on its words and end the anti–Christian rioting by Hindu fanatics against the minority community.

In its statement, Amnesty urged New Delhi to "conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into the attacks... publish the results and bring those responsible to justice."

It said violence had continued despite Premier Manmohan Singh's admission this week that the attacks against Christians in eastern Orissa state were a "national shame" and that his government had taken a "firm stand" to halt it.

"The last two days have witnessed renewed attacks by supporters of Hindu nationalist organisations... against the Christian minorities and their places of worship in Kandhamal district in Orissa," Amnesty said.

It also noted that three people have died and several injured in fresh violence against Christians.

"India should match its words with its actions and ensure that members of the Christian minority community in Orissa are protected against renewed communal violence."

Violence in Orissa was sparked after a Hindu religious leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others were killed on Aug. 23 in the state. Houses were torched and places of worships were attacked in the violence instigated by Hindu fanatics, mainly in Kandhamal district, the epicenter of the violence.

It has also spread to Karnataka and other parts of the country, receiving international condemnation including the Vatican, US and France.