Seminar accuses Christians for Kandhamal violence

A seminar on 'Kandhamal' organised by the Biswa Sambad Kendra, accused Christians for the August violence and said the Orissa riot was "well planned" international conspiracy by the Church to defame the state and the country.

Speakers at the seminar charged that Christians indulged in forceful conversions and this led to the war between tribes in the state.

Mr Bhagirathi Mahasuar, a renowned columnist said secularism and Christianity could not go together and India had to choose one of these two for the survival of its culture and religion.

''India has to oppose the aggressive expansion of the Christianity at all levels otherwise Hinduism as a religion would be lost forever from the world scene,'' Mr Mahasuar observed.

He also criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for terming the Kandhamal riot as a national shame.

Mr Mohini Mohan Mishra, an author, alleged that members of the Congress party and the Churches are imparting training to Christian youths for creating trouble in the state by killing people.

According to him, "Kandhas were fighting not for land but for the preservation of their religion, culture and identity. The Christians, on the other hand, have been trying for the last 300 years to convert the Kandhas, but in vain."

In reality, the violence instigated by pro-Hindu groups in Orissa's Kandhamal district has paralysed the Christian community, most of whom have lost their families and properties

Media reports that at least 15,000 are still living in relief camps fearing more persecution by Hindu hardliners.