Orissa government assures action against fanatics

Chief Minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik assured firm action against fanatics, who instigated the barbaric violence on Dec 24 against the miniscule Christian community.

Last week, responding to an electronic–mail campaign launched by Church people in Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister’s office told Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, "The government is doing its best to deal with the communal situation firmly."

Emails apart from the Chief Minister, has also been sent to federal leaders including President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who promised to enhance security and protect the rights of all people.

A six member fact finding team who were designated by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) said the scene in Kandhamal was horrific and brutal.

The team reported people to be still living in fear. "Some of them are still looking for their missing relatives who went hiding in the jungle," Father Joseph reported.

“We need to wake up right–thinking people to save the nation from the menace of communalism," said Father Anand Muttungal, spokesperson of the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh.

The priest noted that the Orissa violence brought shame on the nation, which boasts of its secular character.

Meanwhile, BosNewsLife reported, Christian refugees to be still living in jungles fearing further attacks.

At least over one thousand Christians, including priests, nuns, women and children, fled to the jungles of Orissa State to escape the violence. Thousands more are hiding elsewhere, rights watchers say.

On Jan. 10, last week, over 10,000 people marched to the Orissa State Assembly building in Bhubaneswar protesting Christmas attacks on Christians and demanding justice for victims.