Kandhamal Christians hoist saffron flags to escape violence

With the influx of hate speeches against Christians, there is no sign of normalcy returning in the hot spot district of Kandhamal.

The deliberate act by Hindu extremists to polarize the electorate on religious grounds has only augmented fear in the hearts of victims who are afraid of returning to their villages.

Some Christian villagers in Raikia and Baliguda blocks say they have hoisted saffron flags atop houses to protect their families from Hindu extremists.

"We cannot remove these flags. These saffron flags are a 'rakshya kabach (safeguard) for our houses and property," Sita Mallick of Raikia area was quoted saying.

"Praying to my god under the saffron flag does not mean I have changed my faith," she clarified.

The saffron leaders had earlier demanded that local Hindus fly flags on houses to escape violence. They also demanded the Hindu community to keep away from Christians unless they renounce their faith and convert to Hinduism. If seen talking to Christians, they will fined of 1,000 Rupees.

Christians are also facing isolation as they are no more employed as day labourers nor can send their children to good school.

Meanwhile, victims have complained absence of hygiene in relief camps.

Unhygienic conditions in makeshift toilets; lack of drinking water, medicines and others have only added to the woes of refugees.

The carnage erupted following the murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23 last year had forced 50,000 to flee for shelter.

633 arrests have been made though 11,348 have been named in 784 FIRs charged with serious offences like murder and rioting.

As fear still looms large over the 3,200 Christians, most of them Kui tribals, the Church hopes that the elections would be of great relief to the minuscule community.