Orissa Chief Minister admits violence yet to "calm down"

Chief Minister of Orissa, Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday, admitted that violence is yet to "calm down" in several sensitive parts of the state.

The politico who earlier claimed violence was under control, told media that "Raikia, G Udaygiri and Tikabali blocks are not yet calm as it should be."

Patnaik made the statement after a short meeting with the visiting Union Ministers who described the scene in relief camps as "very appalling".

The delegation from the central government included Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar and Tribal Affairs Minister Paty Ripple Kyndiah. In a memorandum, Christian leaders demanded that more enhanced protection be rendered to the community, as a bandh has been declared on December 24th, before Christmas.

"We have requested the chief minister (Naveen Patnaik) to make efforts to stop such a bandh on December 25, a major festival day," Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar told reporters after meeting Patnaik.

"While the minority community is afraid of returning to their villages, tribals have left their villages for jungles out of fear of the police," he said, adding, "We need to give protection and bring back the confidence among the people."

According to reports - as violence continues - Christians are being threatened to re-convert to Hinduism - if they wish to return or peacefully coexist in the village. Some of them were forced to partake in Hindu religious ceremonies - where they were tonsured and made to sign legal papers stating their will to reconvert.

Thousands of them continue to live in relief camps, while several others are still hiding in the forests. This however does not empathise the Hindu fundamentalists, who threaten more such attacks on Christians and their properties.

The state has been boiling after the assassination of a local VHP leader that sparked violence on Christians. At least 300 Churches were burnt and 60 dead in the spree.