Indians in US to write on Orissa violence to Senators, Congressmen

Noting the failure of Indian government in controlling the violence on Christians, secular-minded Indians in the US have decided to join hands with Christian groups to chalk out a common strategy to resolve the ongoing savagery in Orissa

Earlier peace rallies and demonstrations were organised by different groups in the US, urging the American government to speak for the Indian Christians. However, violence still continues unabated, despite foreign opposition.

This time, an inter-denominational meeting was held in Bellrose, NY, that agreed to collect available data including video footage, a write-up on violence, which will be enclosed with personalized letters to all 100 Senators and the 535 Congressmen in the US.

Under the banner of Indian Christian Forum, the meeting brought together Christian groups, the Federation Of the Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), India Catholic Association of America, Federation of Indian Catholic Associations, SMCC, St. Thomas Ecumenical, ECFNJ PYFA (Pentecostal Youth), cryforindia (Philadelphia group), a Youth group headed by Tom John and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church.

George Abraham, an official of the United Nations and a leader of the Indian Christian Forum, spoke of the violence against Christians and the mute response from both the state as well as the central government in India.

He urged the Christian groups in the United States to join hands, be proactive and work on a long-term strategy to respond to the issues that rattle the minorities in India.

Dr Babu Joseph, Spokesman for the Catholic Bishops Conference of India reiterated the need for unity among Christians and organisations in the US to counter the atrocities committed in India.

Earlier a group of US Christian leaders in a letter to President Bush said, the violence on Christians in Orissa calls for a "strong and urgent American response".

"What has happened recently in India, and has been happening over the past few years, is tantamount to 'religious cleansing' of Christians and other minorities by extremists," said the letter signed by 24 Catholic, Orthodox, mainline Protestant and evangelical leaders. "This in the world's largest democracy that is a nuclear power and recently sent a mission to the moon."

The letter states: "You should insist, in the strongest terms, that these reprehensible groups and the assenting local government agencies be brought into conformity with India's rule of law."