NHRC constitutes special investigation team: Orissa violence

The National Human Rights Commission on Friday responding to the complaint by Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) ordered a special investigation into the Orissa and Karnataka violence.

NHRC informed GCIC that a special investigation team has been constituted and being sent to Bhubaneshwar, Orissa to verify the attacks on Christians. The team will begin the investigation from 12 to 18 November, visiting affected districts and hearing witnesses on the violence.

"We approached NHRC for a detailed investigation on 98 cases in Karnataka in the year 2008. In addition to the Karnataka attacks GCIC has provided a detailed information about 81 martyrs in Orissa during the recent violence," GCIC President Sajan K George said.

Earlier inquiries initiated by government and private organisations have pointed the alleged involvement of pro-Hindu groups, the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal, in the violence on Christians in Karnataka and Orissa. Several organisations have also demanded a ban on Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).