Home Minister assures Christians safety

Unlike 2007, Christians in Orissa might be fortunate to celebrate Christmas this year, after home minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday assured them that the Centre would ensure their safety.

Chidambaram assured this when a delegation led by Delhi Archbishop Vincent M Concessao met him to apprise him of a bandh declared by Hindutva outfits on Christmas day.

"We apprised the Home Minister of our very strong apprehension that the celebrations will be targeted by unruly elements as it happened last time," Babu Joseph, spokesperson of Catholic Bishop Conference of India (CBCI), told PTI.

The Home Minister according to Joseph has detailed and ordered the Orissa government to ensure safety to the Christian community.

The recently appointed politico reminded the state authorities of their duty to protect the people, recalling that advisories in the past have also been sent to Orissa.

Orissa has been in turmoil after violence broke out with the assassination of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, a local VHP leader on August 23. Following the slaying, Hindu mobs ignoring Maoists claim of responsibility, accused Christians, killing over 110 and forcing thousands to flee to forests.

Recently, a rally organized by the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Smuti Samiti, called for a statewide agitation on December 25 - which Christians fear might spark fresh violence on its community.