British govt urged to press India to compensate Christians

Christians and politicians from Europe, who visited the state of Orissa and the relief camps, have urged the British government to press India to compensate Orissa Christians.

Baroness Cox, a crossbencher and prominent Christian, said: "I visited those camps recently and witnessed appalling conditions of overcrowding with a lack of medical care, food and adequate sanitation."

"The people there told us that they dared not go back to their homes because those who perpetrated the violence have still not been apprehended."

She called on the UK Government to urge India to put pressure on Orissa's Government to ensure the security of all their citizens, according to Religious Intelligence.

The Anglican Bishop of Peterborough has also called the Indian government to offer compensation to Christians.

Bishop Ian Cundy asked: "In their representations to the Indian Government, will our Government ensure that the compensation offered by the Indian Government for those who have lost their homes and businesses is adequate? "I understand that what is currently offered is not even enough to cover the cost of homes, let alone compensate those who have lost their businesses."

Lord Bach, a British Labour member of the House of Lords responded saying: "The state Government of Orissa has promised compensation, but my information suggests that that has not yet been put into action."

He said the UK "unequivocally condemns the recent violent attacks against Christians that have led to deaths, injuries and widespread displacements in Orissa".

He added: "We have expressed our concerns to the appropriate Indian authorities in Delhi and London. The UK will continue to urge the Government of India to uphold the right to freedom of religion. Our High Commission in Delhi, along with European and other partners, continues to monitor the situation in Orissa. Tory Lord Bates said a "major contribution" to the violence was the introduction of anti-conversion laws which require converts to give 30 days' notice of their intention and to receive police clearance."

The violence since August has rendered thousands homeless and over 110 dead. 252 prayer halls damaged and 4,215 houses burnt in the mayhem.

Chief Minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik on Monday said, an estimated 10,000 people have been named in 746 cases lodged during the August Kandhamal violence. Addressing the Assembly, Patnaik said, 598 accused have been put behind bars and police have begun full-fledged investigation on all the cases.