Tourism to heal riot scars in Orissa

Determined to expunge the past and exhibit a more secular image, the government of Orissa in partnership with the Church of North India has introduced a Christian heritage tourism in the state.

The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra who told media that it would bridge the communication gap and portray a more tolerant and peaceful state.

Last year's violence against Christians in Kandhamal had tarnished the state's reputation making it a communal hot spot. The violence locally and globally encouraged the feeling that the state was intolerant towards Christians.

Noting that the Kandhamal episode was over, and there was now a need for active partnership, Mishra said the colonial heritages and churches in the state had the potential to unite and attract a large number of tourists.

"We want to tell the Christian spiritual leaders that Orissa is full of religious heritages belonging to their religion," he said.

The initiative was launched in the presence of 30 CNI bishops who were taken to different tourist sites in Orissa.

Moderator of the CNI Synod, Bishop Lyndog, told media that the Church wanted to "neutralize the past experience in Kandhamal through the tourism initiative." He added that this would bring unity and promote peace among communities.

Rev. Enos Das Pradhan, general secretary of the CNI Synod, said the state has a long history of Christianity and "the step to promote religious tourism will make the bond stronger."