Orissa not doing enough for Christians: Centre

Taking note of the continuing violence against Christians in Orissa, the Central government demanded that the state and its authorities take more effective measures to stop the attacks.

During the Cabinet meeting presided by the Prime Minister, Home Minister Shivraj Patil was asked to submit a report on the situation.

The Cabinet expressed concern over the situation in Orissa, particularly Kandhamal. "The situation is very grave. The government is quite concerned," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said.

"The Cabinet feels that the Orissa government needs to do more to control the violence. It was also observed that some organisations are taking part in the violence. The home minister was asked for a note on this," he added.

As pressure appeared to be mounting on the Centre for effective intervention in Orissa, the Home Minister spoke to Governor M C Bhandare to discuss the situation in the state.

The Prime Minister is understood to have expressed anguish over the situation on which he had to face embarrassment during the recent India–EU summit in Marseilles.

In a letter addressed to Patnaik, the Home Minister stated that enough paramilitary forces had been provided to the state since trouble broke out in December last year.

The letter urged the state govt. to protect the minority Christian community and apprehend elements that continue to stoke violence and hatred.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Integration Council has been convened here on October 13 in an apparent move to take strong steps to end the communal violence.

Convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the meeting will discuss all matters impacting national integration, Minister of State for Home Shakeel Ahmed said.