Margaret Alva along with GCIC initiate Kandhamal peace campaign

The Global Council of Indian Christians along with former secretary general of the All India Congress Committee, Margaret Alva, has initiated an awareness campaign to restore peace in Kandhamal and ensure the victims of violence receive compensation from the government.

The campaign that will be held across the country will begin on March 30, 31, and April 1 and 2, respectively in Bangalore, Karnataka.

Alva, an advocate by profession, and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, said she is free of political commitments and can now devote completely to the cause of poor and persecuted.

"Our voice has been discarded because the Christian community is peaceful. But it is time to fight back now. One is the displaced victims who have migrated are being asked to convert to Hinduism before returning to their homes. This should be addressed. They are Christians and should be allowed to practice their belief," she said.

Castigating the Orissa state govt. for its failure to render protection to minorities, the Christian said, "What's happening in Kandhamal are the severest forms of violence against humanity."

She further stressed on the need to ensure Christians can return to their villages as most of the victims do not have land documents and this can balk their way. She said the issue must be addressed by the central government.

Alva also had a word with twelve widows from Kandhamal from different camps of G Udaygiri, Raikia, Tikabali and Sugodbadi, who complained of the appalling situation in relief camps.

"I had severe diarrhoea once and they gave me paracetamol. Medical supply is out of place and children are falling sick every day," Kavita Naik, a victim said adding, the aid given was not adequate to the victims.