Christians relieved as Modi cancels Kandhamal campaign

Victims of Kandhamal violence are relieved after Gujarat chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra Modi on Sunday canceled his much awaited election campaign due to a technical snag in his aircraft.

Known for his anti-Christian rhetoric, the infamous Modi was to address a meeting at Raikia village in the strife torn Kandhamal district.

The 'Hindutva mascot' however addressing a rally in Bhubaneshwar said he would visit the district soon and also vowed to war against those who conspired the murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

"It was unfortunate the killers and running freely and the Government making all out effort to appease the minorities," he said.

He also warned that conversion by Christian missionaries would incite more anger among Hindu groups.

Modi was invited to campaign for Kandhamal Lok Sabha candidate and Hindu Jagaran Samukshya (HJS) chief, Mr Ashok Sahu. Sahu is presently spearheading campaigns against Christians and has accused the church of having murdered Swami Laxmananda.

"We don't want anybody with the potential to create trouble to come to Kandhamal. We have suffered enough and want peace at any cost. We would request Modi to stay away from the district and give peace a chance.'' TOI quoted Mohini Naik, a victim, as saying.

Christians in the relief camps are worried that hate-speeches and anti-Christian remarks can further flare up violence in the district. Many of the victims are afraid of returning to their homes due to the anger and hatred instilled among people by the Hindu chauvinists.