NGOs Fume Over Govt Allege Bias on Rehabilitating Victims of Anti–Christian Violence in Orissa

Christian NGOs are disappointed with Orissa government for "not allowing them to distribute funds to hundreds of victims of the recent anti–Christian violence in Orissa state" while "allowing Hindutva affiliated groups to distribute relief materials."

"Christian NGOs are not allowed to enter the violent torn districts while Hindu nationalists who have been implicated in planning the violence against Christians, are taking trucks full of supplies to the borders of the district and distributing it only to Hindus," complaint a public statement issue by AICC.

“We’ve repeatedly appealed to the Orissa government to allow registered, reputable Christian organisations to conduct relief operations. Thousands are homeless. Many have lost all their possessions except the clothes on their backs due to arson of their homes,” said Dr. Joseph D’souza, President of All India Christian Council.

The All India Christian Council (aicc), a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders established in 1998 to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes, has been advocating the plight of Christians in the country.

The aicc in a public statement complaint that thousands of Christians and several hundred Hindus were affected by violence and the government officials have emptied relief camps. Yet, with over 700 Christian homes partially to completely destroyed, many families are without adequate shelter amidst the winter weather. During the past three weeks, Christian leaders – including All India Christian Council (aicc) officials – have appealed for permission to carry out direct relief.

World Vision, Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR) and other Christian NGOs have all been barred to start relief works in the area affected by the violence.

According to AICC, though the state government announced on Jan 23 the revised aid packages for those who lost property in the violence which began on Christmas Eve, but Christian leaders are worried it is inadequate.

Thousands of Christians and several hundred Hindus were affected by violence. Government officials have emptied relief camps. Yet, with over 700 Christian homes partially to completely destroyed, many families are without adequate shelter amidst the winter weather. During the past three weeks, Christian leaders – including All India Christian Council (aicc) officials – have appealed for permission to carry out direct relief.

However, according to aicc leaders in Orissa, some residents of Kandhamal District were given relief materials on Tuesday night by two hardline Hindu nationalist groups, the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad). Reportedly, these groups, which have been implicated in planning the violence against Christians, are taking trucks full of supplies to the borders of the district and distributing it only to Hindus, it argued.

The state government has also requested Central Reserve Police Forces to remain until mid–March citing continued problems. A night curfew remains in effect for Phiringia, Baliguda, Brahminigaon, and Barakhama villages.

India’s National Commission for Minorities issued a report in mid January after visiting Orissa on January 6–8, 2008. They noted that caste–based discrimination played a role as well as an anti–conversion campaign conducted by Hindu extremists which “has aimed to prevent the conversion of tribal and Dalits to Christianity.”

They faulted state government officials for not preventing the violence since “…As early as 22nd December the Church authorities informed the Sub–Collector that they apprehended trouble on Christmas and asked the district administration to take the necessary measures.”

According to an aicc Orissa leaders, between Dec. 24, 2007 and Jan. 2, 2008 about 730 Christian homes and 95 churches were burned, 4 Christians were killed (reliable but unconfirmed reports put the death toll at 11), a few hundred people remain missing, several dozen women were sexually harassed and assaulted, and 35 shops belonging to Christians were looted and destroyed.

On Jan 23, the Orissa government announced changes in compensation to victims. No amount was announced for rebuilding destroyed churches. Schools, hospitals, and hostels damaged in the violence will be given Rs 200,000. Financial assistance for reconstructing “completely damaged” houses was increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Aicc leaders report that many homes, which are completely destroyed, are being assessed as “partially damaged” by state authorities. Previously the government promised Rs 100,000 to relatives of the deceased, but Christian leaders asked for Rs 500,000.

A clash over a decorative arch for the Christmas celebrations on December 24 led to large–scale communal violence and attacks on churches throughout the district. Four people were confirmed death while 95 Churches and 730 houses were burnt down or destroyed. The unconfirmed report however put the death toll at 11.

A Hindutva leader, Swami Saraswati, was allegedly attacked by Christians – although his claims were never proven and news reports said only his bodyguards were touched as crowds tried to stop him from visiting a Christian area. The next day a VHP–affiliated group called for a strike and VHP members began attacking Christians across the state.

Recently, Christian leaders and NGOs in the capital recently met and also expressed their dispointment over the state government inability to allow them to distribute relief materials safely at this juncture.

Leaders from big NGOs like World Vision, EFICOR and others were present in the conference who said they were not allowed to enter the violence torn districts in Orissa.