August 23 must be observed as peace day: Archbishop

August 23 must be remembered as 'Peace Day' to mark the murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and the ensuing violence that targeted the Christian community, says Archbishop of Orissa, Raphael Cheenath.

Talking to reporters, the archbishop along with other like-minded people, called for a peace day that can help "forget the past and build a harmonious society".

"The gruesome murder of Swami destroyed peace and harmony. Let us unite and build a cohesive society," Archbishop Cheenath said.

The 84-year-old Saraswati was murdered on August 23, 2008 when alleged Maoists opened fire at the Hindu monk and four of his aides at his Jalespata ashram.

To commemorate the day and express solidarity, Cheenath says Christians will take part in peace marches in different parts of the state. Fasting and prayers will also be conducted in churches.

"Orissa known as the land of peace and harmony was divided by criminals on religious lines. Their efforts must be thwarted and the minorities in India must be protected," the Archbishop said.

The violence in fact had done huge damage to the Christian community whose houses were burnt, churches razed down and families injured. Dozens were murdered and thousands were forced out of their homes to the forests during the four month-long violence.

For the Christian community and the minority leadership, it's not just the state and Union government that must declare Aug 23 as peace day, but also the United Nations.

They even called on the UN to declare the day as a "Global Day for Peace and Harmony" to ensure that such violence is not perpetuated on any community or individuals in any part of the world.

They urged the International Community to observe it as a day for Peace and Harmony in memory of the pain and suffering faced in Kandhamal.

The Archbishop, meanwhile, told reporters that the situation was still tense in the riot-hit district and Christians were still feeling insecure after many accused were seen moving freely.

He demanded that the government arrest the culprits and offer security and protection to religious minorities, their lives, property, institutions and places of worship.

Its not just minorities, but voice for security was specifically also raised for Hindu monks. Any violence on Swamijis and their disciples are misused to attack minorities and therefore the government must provide them adequate security, he demanded.