Orissa tops in communal violence

Orissa has recorded the highest number of communal violence incidents, according to government sources.

"A total of 695 cases of communal violence were reported from different states during the period in which 116 people were killed and left 1680 injured," Minister of State for Home Affairs Shakeel Ahmad said in reply to a question.

"Orissa recorded maximum of 159 cases till September 2008 which left 41 people dead and 76 injured. The ministry does not maintains record of the property destroyed during the violence," he said.

Responding to questions raised by Parliament Members Naveen Jindal and P Karunakaran, Ahmed said the data included recent incidents of violence targeted against the members of Christian community in Orissa in the wake of murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others.

Following largescale attacks on Orissa Christians, the government between September 25 and October 18, 2008 sent seven advisories and communications demanding an immediate end to communal violence.

"Orissa was asked to take stringent action against persons indulging in communal violence, including identification and apprehension of elements inciting communal violence and hatred," the Minister said.