'Sangh Parivar trying to wipe out Christianity'

The saffron groups in the country are trying "to wipe out Christianity from Kandhamal district" alleged a Christian delegation that met with Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday.

"Hindu Fundamentalist groups have been trying to name the communal violence as an Ethnic Conflict between the Tribals and the Pano Christians. A cursory look at facts reveals that this conflict is a calculated and preplanned master plan to wipe out Christianity from Kandhamal district," they charged.

Furthermore, they alleged that the hidden agenda of the Sangh Parivar is to establish a Hindu nation and therefore they are deliberately manipulating the facts.

In a memorandum to the CM, the delegation further complained that the police have been neglecting filing of FIRs, particularly those in Daringabadi and Sarangoda police stations.

Requesting the extension of Central Forces in the riot-hit districts till the next Parliament and Assembly Elections in Orissa, they said, "The Christian victims now in relief camps and those who have taken distress departure from Kandhamal are afraid of further attacks as the State Police are few and who even can not defend themselves and their outposts."

Hindu fundamentalists from decades have been accusing Christians of indulging in forceful conversions, those of gullible tribals in particular, offering money and job.

In contrary to these allegations, government NGO's report that missionaries have helped in the amelioration of tribal's social life and have made remarkable contributions in the field of education and health care.

On August 23, following the assassination of a Hindu priest by Maoists, the saffron groups accused Christians and indulged in looting and burning of Christians properties. At least 60 were reported killed and over 50,000 fled to forests seeking shelter.