Exiting of CRPF forces from Kandhamal begin today

Church leaders voicing concerns over continued violence and insecurity of Christians in Orissa has fallen on deaf ears. The government has today begun the withdrawal of its Central forces in Orissa's Kandhamal district.

"A communication from the Union Home Ministry stated that withdrawal of 53 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force from Orissa would start in a phased manner from January 15," said Orissa's Home Secretary A.P. Padhi.

"At least 10 companies would be pulled out in consultation with the Orissa police in the first-phase that begins January 15," Padhi said adding that "Ten more companies would be withdrawn in February and the remainder by the end of March this year."

The CRPF forces were deployed in the state after the murder of Swami Laxmananada Saraswati and four of his disciples at Jalespeta ashram. In the violence that ensued, Christians were murdered, and thousands forced to flee to forests. At least 300 churches were razed down by Hindu hardliners.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik informed that violence is under control and the withdrawal of forces can be carried out over the next three months. 40 companies of the Central forces comprising about 4,000 personnel are reportedly stationed in Kandhamal district.

Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Cuttack Bhubaneshwar meanwhile stood with the Pana Christians insisting "they dont feel safe" and the "atmosphere is still not peaceful."

"I know those responsible for violence in the area are still holding secret meetings. Most people leaving the relief camps are not really returning to their villages because they are threatened. Either they are coming to Bhubaneswar or going to other states,'' said Cheenath adding, "normalcy had not yet returned to the district.''