Kandhamal violence marred the image of Orissa: Chidambaram

Among the host of politicians and government fact-finding teams who inspected Kandhamal, none have been as vocal as Home Minister P Chidambaram.

During a Rajya Sabha (Upper House) session this week, the Home Minister termed last year's anti-Christian violence as a "blot" on the state.

The cabinet minister of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was very vocal on the atrocities done to Christians in the tribal district and also said he was gravely concerned over the remaining thousands dwelling in relief camps.

"The violence on Christians in Kandhamal is a blot on the face of Orissa. It is a disgrace that minorities were targeted," Chidambaram said, evoking stark criticisms from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In fact Chidambaram's cognizance was a response to BJP MP Rudra Narayan Pany, who indicted Christian missionaries of conversions and even allegedly blamed them for involving with Naxalites in the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

Saraswati, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, was shot dead by unknown assailants at his ashram at Jaleshpata August 23. Following the slaying, Christians were falsely implicated and dozens were murdered, thousands forced to forests.

Chidambaram told the Rajya Sabha session that few arrests have been already made and defying his opponents, he sarcastically pointed, "One of the accused has already taken oath as an MLA."

He was referring to BJP representative Manoj Kumar Pradhan - accused in 14 cases, including seven charges of murder- who was released July 5 to take oath as the MLA of G Udaygiri constituency in Kandhamal district.

Riot-stricken Kandhamal was last month visited by Chidambaram who apologised and offered adequate security and rehabilitation measures to start life afresh.

Chidambaram visited relief camps at Mandaika, Rahikola, Tiangia and Tikabali and interacted with victims whom he urged to "go back to your villages, build your homes and churches and practise your religion without any fear."

Just days after his visit, about Rs 6.54 crores from the Prime Minister's national relief fund were allocated to meet the relief and rehabilitation measures.

The Orissa government also confirmed last week that it had disbursed Rs 42.3 lakh as assistance for repair of church and prayer houses damaged during the mayhem.