'Normalcy can be claimed only after victims return to villages'

"Complete normalcy can return in Kandhamal only after victims in relief camps return to their villages," said Orissa's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday.

During the Chief Minister's conference on internal security in New Delhi, Patnaik informed this and stressed the need for the extension of the paramilitary forces in riot-hit Kandhamal district.

"A minimum of 20 companies of the Central forces should continue in Kandhamal which can help in the maintenance of law and order during the forthcoming general elections," Patnaik said.

Although no violence has been reported and Christmas and New Year celebrations were trouble-free, Patnaik said, complete normalcy could be claimed only after people return to their villages.

At least 20,000 people are reported staying in government relief camps, many unwilling to return to their villages in fear of violence. Thousands of others have left for distant places where their government has promised shelter and jobs.

Church leaders were in fact very delighted after the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Orissa government to ensure protection of Christians.

The highest judicial court also asked the state govt. to retain the forces till general elections to be held in few months.

A Bench, consisting of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices Markandey Katju and P. Sathasivam, passed this order after senior counsel for Orissa K.K. Venugopal said the Centre planned to withdraw the forces by January 15.

Earlier, Justice Katju told Mr. Venugopal: "You [State] had failed in your duty to protect minorities." When counsel maintained that necessary action was taken, he said, "You had done it much later after 50,000 Christians fled to the jungles. You can't run your government like this. We can't tolerate persecution of minorities. If your government is unable to protect Christians, you better resign. We are a secular country and no minority should feel insecure in our country."

"You [the Centre] have a responsibility to protect the minorities. You have to ensure that they are safe."