EU raises questions over anti–Christian violence

The European Union recently discussed the anti–Christian violence by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists on Christmas 2007 in Kandhamal district of Orissa.

In a letter to the EU Commission for External Relations, MEP Jim Allister from Northern Ireland asked:

"Is the Commission aware of the widespread violence against Christians perpetrated by Hindu extremists in Kandhamal district of Orissa during the week that preceded Christmas 2007? Reports indicate that several Christians have been murdered, 65 churches have been burnt down, 600 homes of Christians have been destroyed, and hundreds of Christians have been displaced since the violence began on Christmas Eve."

Furthermore, he questioned if the Commission made representations to the Indian authorities to ensure that a thorough investigation be undertaken by the CBI and the police.

"Will the Commission make sure that action is taken against the perpetrators under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act and that justice is delivered by an appropriate court?"

In response, Mrs. Benita Ferrero–Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, on behalf of the EU Commission said, the Commission was aware of the reports of violence against Christians and in response the Commission officials in Brussels have shared with Indian counterparts the concern widely felt in Europe over the scale of violence against the Christian community.

The Commission said it received assurances that the Indian Government will ensure that action is taken and the Indian Embassy will further apprise them with the status of the investigation.

It's Delegation in New Delhi will continue to gather information on the violence and will closely follow the decision taken by the judicial system against the perpetrators of these acts.

Meanwhile, a US–based human rights watchdog has urged the Indian government to "act immediately" to end violence between Hindus and Christians in Orissa and demanded an independent inquiry to identify those instigating riots.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleged extremist Hindu groups have been conducting an "anti Christian" campaign for several years but government officials looked the other way.

Taking serious note of the attacks on churches and Christians in Orissa, Sajan K. George, the president of the Global Council of Indian Christians alleged, the Indian Government has done nothing to ensure the safety of Christians in Orissa.

“This attack shows that not all Indian citizens are equal; that not all protected under the constitution which is supposed to guarantee religious freedom. The worst thing beside the attack is the fact that victims experience discrimination and racism on a daily basis. They cannot work because no one will hire them and the government does nothing,” he added.