Kandhamal violence probe begins; extends deadline for submission of affidavits

The Government designated officials investigating the Kandhamal outrage, known to be the largest anti–Christian violence in the country, last week, held its first meeting with the local Christian leaders in Orissa.

The Justice Basudev Panigrahi Enquiry Commission, led by retired Orissa High Court judge Basudev Panigrahi, is probing the December 24, 2007 Christmas violence, which destroyed over 750 houses and 95 Churches. At least nine Christians were reportedly killed in the barbarous attack.

Attended by Christian leaders including the Catholic Archbishop Cheenath, Church of North India Bishop SN Das, Orissa president of the All India Christian Council (AICC) the Rev. Pran Parichha, and Dr. John Dayal, the meeting extended the deadline for filing of affidavits by victims, from June 30 to July 5.

Christian Today learned that, the Enquiry Commission will conduct public hearings for the victims on July 14, Phulbani, the district headquarter of Kandhamal.

According to a press release by the Christian representatives, the deadline of filing affidavits was extended due to the requests placed by the leaders and the locals of the state.

“We have asked in at least three separate applications that Justice Panigrahi Commission extend the deadline for filing affidavits by 45 days, or up to July 31, 2008, to enable the victims more time," the press release stated.

Apart from the extension of the deadline, the Christian leaders also demanded for security to the Christians.

"Simultaneously, we have demanded that he give orders to the district and state police and the civil administration to ensure and provide adequate security to the victims in their villages so they have the confidence to approach the criminal justice system in the hope of procuring justice," the report added.

The All India Christian Council, last week, asseverated that life has been more difficult for the Christians in Orissa, who have been completely isolated from the society.

“Christians who had started making a life for themselves through running shops and self–employment were particular targets – they are still being socially boycotted,” Dr. John Dayal, AICC leader and member of the National Integration Council of the Government of India said.

There are also fears that, the monsoon season might incapacitate the people who are already homeless and lack of funds to build a roof of their own.

The Prime Minister of India and other political parties have condemned the violence, which is alleged to have been instigated and carried out by the BJP/RSS groups.