Normalcy yet to be claimed in Kandhamal, says NCM official

Although violence has ebbed down, complete normalcy cannot yet be claimed till riot-hit victims returned to their villages, commented an official of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) who toured Kandhamal Saturday.

The vice-chairman of NCM, M P Pinto, after his two-day visit to the communally sensitive Kandhamal, said, "complete normalcy is yet to be restored in the violence-hit district, despite considerable improvement in the situation."

Pinto opined that since there are at least 2000 Christians in relief camps, one couldn't fully claim peace in the volatile district that was up in flames since the murder of a Hindu religious leader.

"It would be normal only after the last person leaves the camp," Pinto said, adding, "Our top priority would be to ensure that all the people return home and peace is restored."

The NCM team on the first day visiting Mandakia and Tiangia relief camps under Raikia and G Udayagiri blocks interacted with victims and took note of the issues that are yet to be addressed by the state authorities.

The team was also apprised that those who were listed for compensation are yet to receive any help from the government. The victims demanded a fresh assessment of the damage.

Apart from reviewing the health and water facilities at the relief camps, the NCM officials even discussed on measures to be taken for the security of people after the last batch of central paramilitary forces will be soon called back from Kandhamal.

After the deadline in June, 16 companies of state police including Orissa Special Armed Police would be positioned in sensitive areas where the CRPF forces were stationed.

The NCM team, meanwhile, on Sunday held talks with civil society organisations and religious groups on relief and rehabilitation efforts for the people. It also met Governor M C Bhandare, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy and senior officials