Security beefed up for peaceful Christmas in Kandhamal

With Christmas around the corner, authorities in communally sensitive Kandhamal have beefed up security for vulnerable Christians.

Thousands of police have been deployed in the district to prevent any untoward incident.
"All hot spot areas in Kandhamal have been secured. We have also intensified checking in all entry and exit points," said Superintendent of Police S Praveen Kumar.

He told media that police patrolling will be enhanced to ensure a trouble-free Christmas.

It is to be noted that major violence against Christians began during the Yuletide celebration in 2007. Dozens of churches were razed down and many beaten then on concocted allegations.

Following this, the murder of a Hindu leader in August 2008 triggered one of the worst anti-Christian violence in the country.

Hundreds were killed, thousands of homes burned and looted and churches gutted by anti-social elements.

In view of this, it is imperative to ensure that adequate security is extended to Christians this Christmas.

Several civil and religious groups have submitted memorandums and written letters to authorities pleading that prayer services and Christmas celebrations be made accessible and peaceful to Christians in the tribal district.

Last year, shockingly, Hindutva groups declared a bandh on Christmas Eve, putting victims as well as church leaders at unease with fears of fresh violence. Fortunately, the state government intervened and announced the annulling of the statewide shutdown

Meanwhile, about 20,000 Christians in Kandhamal will face Christmas as refugees, according to a Christian persecution watchdog,

Release International warned that many displaced by the worst sectarian rioting in India are still unable to return to their villages for fear of death or forcible conversion to Hinduism.

"Please pray for Christians in India this Christmas, especially those in Orissa who still face the high risk of attack and marginalization from the Hindu fundamentalists," said Andy Dipper, CEO of Release International.

The group urged churches around the world to remember at Christmas the Indian Christians who were victims of the riots.