HRW seeks intervention of EU, US to end Orissa's violence

Human Rights Watch, Christian Solidarity Network, Dalit Freedom Network and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty have appealed to foreign ministers in the EU and the US to immediately call for an end to the sectarian violence in India's Orissa.

"International statements of concern are urgently needed to express solidarity with the victims, to help forestall yet more violence and to prevent the further loss of life," said a letter sent to the European Commissioner for External Relations, the Foreign Ministers of French, European Affairs, the British Foreign Secretary, and the US.

"We therefore request that you make a statement to call for an end to the sectarian violence and for the protection of vulnerable communities as soon as possible," it said.

Calling for immediate intervention, the letter condemned the murder of Swami and said, "The fact that Christians have been made the scapegoats and victims of a VHP backlash is deplorable."

The Federation of Indian American Christian Organisation of North America (FIACONA) has also expressed its deepest sorrow over the unabated violence against Christians in Orissa. It urged the Indian Diasporas to join its prayer gathering on 29th August for peace and harmony in Orissa.

According to trusted sources, Baliguda sub–division is the worst affected where more than 500 houses have been burnt and churches torched.

"More than 20,000 Christians have fled from their houses, according to sources. Old, infirm, women and children have left their villages," reported GCIC.

The week–long violence spurred by the death of VHP leader Laxmananda Saraswati has benumbed the Christian peace loving community, forcing thousands to abandon their homes and flee to forests.

While Hindu hardliners have accused Christians for orchestrating the naxal attack, the church in India and abroad has succinctly declared that it is against violence of any sort and has condemned the murder of the prominent Hindu leader.