Mohapatra to head judicial probe into Orissa riot

Bhubaneswar: Eight days after ordering a judicial probe into the killing of Laxamananda Saraswati and four others at Jaleshpatta Ashram in Orissa’s Kandhamal district, the state government today said that Justice Sarat Chandra Mohapatra would head the inquiry commission.

“Justice Mohapatra will inquire into the killing and communal violence taking place across the state thereafter,” an official at the Chief Minister s Office said here.

Justice Mohapatra, a retired judge of the Orissa High Court, had retired as the Lok Pal barely two days ago.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on August 24 had recommended the judicial probe after rejecting demands for a CBI probe by opposition parties and members of the Christian community.

Sources said though the judicial commission was yet to start working, the police had begun investigation into the killing of Saraswati and others.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed and highly professional personnel were taken as members of the SIT, Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda said, expressing confidence about apprehending the culprits soon. Police was probing the incident keeping dual options open, that of the involvement of left wing extremists and religious fundamentalists behind the killing.
Source : PTI

Dalit-tribal rivalry behind Kandhmal riots?

Sampad Mahapatra

The week-long communal frenzy in Kandhmal has had one focus. Attack and destroy everything that’s Christian: churches, homes and followers.

But significantly, one section of Christians has been left untouched — the tribal Kandhs.

Not one of them has been killed, nor a single tribal home attacked by Hindu rioters. The major targets are Pano Christians, who are Dalits.

And in many villages, Hindu Panos have been attacked, like in the predominantly Christian Pano village where 20 percent of the population is Hindu.

Kuna Digal, resident of Sodonmendi says, “Both Christians and Hindus live together here.” On being asked why was the village targetted, he replies: “This is a war between SC and ST. The tribal attackers do not choose between Hindus and Christians.”

But the administration refuses to accept this.

Suresh Mohapatra, commissioner in charge of Kandhmal relief operations, says, “This time it’s totally a communal fight and already substantial damages have taken place.”

Kui Samaj, the highest body of Kandhs, says tribals are attacking all Panos irrespective of their religion because a threat letter similar to the one issued against Swami Laxmananand before his murder was sent to their president. The kandhs believe the letter was sent by a group of Christian Panos.

Lambodar Kanhar, president, Kui Samaj, Kandhmal says, “It started as a communal war but once the tribals came to know that I have received death threats they got angry and that’s why it has taken a different hue now.”

During the ethnic riots in the area in 1994, Kandh tribals burnt hundreds of Pano homes and killed 22 of them. The riots in December last year and even now bear the stamp of the century-old ethnic conflict between tribal Kandhs and dalit Panos. And what has complicated things is the dominance of Panos among Christians in Kandhmal.(NDTV)

Church shocked as Christians forced to become Hindus

NEW DLEHI (ICNS): The continuing anti-Christian violence in Orissa took a vicious form with fanatic Hindus forcing Christians to denounce their religion, become Hindus and destroy their own churches.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) said the Church “is shocked” to learn that the Christians are “forced to become Hindus and attack their own Churches in which they have been worshiping so long.” The bishops in a statement said latest reports from Bhubaneshwar say mobs continue to attack Churches and ransack the Christian institutions at will. Such violence happened despite the deployment of riot police at several places in Kandhamal with specific instructions “to shoot at sight,” the statement said. On Monday, September 1, it is reported that 10 prayer halls were destroyed in Kundra village of Jayapur District. In Tikabali Block, 5 villages were attacked and property looted. Similarly, a Church, a convent and two hostels were destroyed in Mondasore under Raikia Block, the statement said. The Church is “extremely distressed to note that despite the assurances” form chief minister Naveen Patnaik and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to end violence the atrocities continue. “We find that there has not been much improvement in the riot hit areas of Kandhamal. Even though security forces have been deployed in Kandhamal, the fundamentalists continue to attack Christians and their institutions freely,” their statement said. The bishops appealed to “act firmly against those who are taking law into their hands and safeguard Christians, their houses and institutions.” “We also request the State Administration to be vigilant at the forced re-conversion issue since it is a gross violation of their Constitutional right to live in the country without fear,” said the bishops’ statement.

Relief package announced for Orissa victims

NEW DELHI (ICNS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday announced a package to help the victims of violence in Orissa, where Hindu radical hostility against Christians has claimed some 25 lives so far.

The Centre would provide assistance to the family members of persons who have lost their lives and those victims who have been permanently incapacitated in the incidents under the Central scheme for assistance to victims of communal violence, he told a Congress delegation from Kerala. Singh took a “very serious notice” of the communal violence, which continues for the past one week. Even on Monday reports spoke of fresh violence, with arsonists moving to newer areas. From the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund Singh, assistance would be given to people who have suffered in the riots, including those rendered destitute and homeless and support for repair of houses damaged including orphanages, he said. Singh also said Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has given an assurance of “firm action” in the matter. He told the delegation that he had personally spoken to Patnaik to take steps to end violence and bring peace and normalcy in the state. The violence began after the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a Hindu religious leader, and his four associates on Aug. 23 in Kandhamal district. Maoists reportedly claimed responsibility for the killings. But Hindu radicals allege gunmen hired by Christians murdered their spiritual leader, a charge all Christian groups have denied. The 85-year Hindu leader, based in Kandhamal district, had for several decades opposed conversions to Christianity. (theindiancatholic.com)

Attacks on Christians tarnished Orissa, says CM Patnaik

Ravik Bhattacharya

Bhubaneswar, September 2:: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik says recurring communal violence has tarnished the image of his state, and bred insecurity in its Christian population.

In an interview to The Indian Express, Patnaik deplored the ‘savage acts’ carried out in the name of religion.

A total of 558 homes and 17 churches have been set on fire since the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23, state Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy said on Monday. At least 16 people are believed to have been killed in rioting.

“The attack on the ashram, as well as what happed thereafter, I repeat what happened after that, both are deplorable. Those who indulged in these savage acts, and I mean both in the ashram and after that in the district, stern action will be certainly taken against them,” Patnaik said.

Asked if communal violence was tarnishing Orissa’s reputation and encouraging afeeling that the state was intolerant towards Christians, he said, “Yes, it is. There has been a sense of insecurity among the Christians after the recent incidents. There has been recurrence of violence and tragedies. We will try our best to remove all such violence and tragedies or any disharmony among sections of people.”

“Last December there was violence in Kandhamal district; the administration brought in under control. Now again there has been violence after the killings of the Swami and his followers. The killing at the ashram was tragic as was the violence that followed. I saw the damaged houses, schools and I also visited the ashram.”

The Chief Minister, however, ruled out a CBI probe into Laxmanananda’s murder as proposed recently by

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil. No one knows for sure who killed the swami, though the Maoists have claimed responsibility.

“I do not think that a CBI probe in necessary. After the incidents, a judicial enquiry has been initiated, our crime branch and police are also investigating into it. Some persons have been detained and soon the truth will come out. I am sure they are working hard to nab the culprits,” Patnaik said.

The state could, however, ‘certainly do with more Central forces’, Patnaik said. “I have been speaking regularly with Home Minister Patil. I expect 10 companies to reach here today.”

He denied the Biju Janata Dal’s alliance with the BJP was hampering his peace initiatives in Kandhamal. “There is no interference of any kind. I don’t think the secular credentials of this government can be doubted. They (the BJP) are not pressurising us in any way.”

Is it true that Christian missionaries have been on an aggressive evangelical mission in Kandhamal, as the VHP claims?

“They (the missionaries) have been there for decades. NGOs and missionaries are there in certain belts of Orissa. We will leave it at that. There are laws regarding conversions and every person in any country should follow the law of the land.”

Patnaik highlighted efforts made by the state government to return normalcy to affected areas. “I was in the district. Relief has reached there in the way of food and other items. Senior secretaries of the departments which are providing relief will soon visit the district. Very shortly assessment of the losses will be made. Funds are being made available. Security forces are there in Kandhamal and Koraput districts. Touch wood, now the situation is under control.” (Indian Express)

Orissa communal violence:August 2008 violence

From wikipedia:

On Saturday, August 23, 2008, the VHP leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati was killed at his Jalespata ashram in Kandhamal district in Orissa, along with 4 disciples including a minor and a woman.

According to the Inspector General of Police the method of the attack is consistent “with the Maoist stamp in the kind of operation they undertake”.^[24]

On the same day, an interview with a Moaist rebel was published in the leading Orissa newspaper Sambad ^[25]. In the interview, Azad, a leader of Maoist outfit, People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army, claimed responsibility for the killing of Saraswati, saying:

“We killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati to avenge his villainous role in Kandhmal”

However, radical Hindu groups in the state blamed Christians for killing Saraswati because of his opposition to religious conversion. Christian organisations deny this.^{[citation needed]} Madhav also said on the CNN IBN debate that Orissa police arrested workers of World Vision, a Christian organization, for the killing. This may have been based on an inaccurate newspaper story that went even further and said the Christians had admitted their guilt (“Widespread anger in Kandhamal”, The Pioneer, Aug. 25, 2008).

However, Deputy Inspector General (Southern Range) R.P. Koche in Bhubaneshwar categorically denied this claim, and the executive director of World Vision India said two employees were merely given protective custody by police for one night (“Orissa violence: lies and media reports”, by Vishal Arora, The Hoot, Aug. 28, 2008). ^{[26] [27]}

The violence

State wide protest by VHP and Bajrang Dal turned violent and led to widespread persecution of Christians in Orissa. Many churches, prayer houses and other Christian institutions were attacked in Kandhamal, Bargarh, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Boudh, Sundargarh, Kendrapada, Bolangir and Jajpur districts.^{[citation needed]} The events appeared to be instigated by statements made by leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council). Amit Sharma of the VHP said Hindu people in the area had taken the death of the Swami “very seriously, and now they are going to pay them back.” ^[28]
Even though the People’s Liberation Revolutionary Group claimed responsibility for the attack, the VHP dismissed these reports and continued to state that the killing was an act of christian community. ^[29]
The VHP had called for a statewide shutdown for Monday, August 25, 2008. On the same day, protesters burnt alive a 20-year-old woman in an orphanage at Khuntpalli village in Bargarh district. ^[30].^[31].

Curfew was clamped in all towns in Kandhamal. Despite this, large-scale violence and arson continued in Phulbani, Tumudibandh, Baliguda, Udaygiri, Nuagaon and Tikabali towns.
The situation was so volatile that Minister of State for Home, Prakash Jaiswal, and other Congress leaders, who had arrived to visit the riot hit areas, were told by the state government that they could not do so and had to return to New Delhi.
By August 29, 2008 at least 20 people were killed and 3000 people were reported to be living in government run relief camps. 1000 homes had been set on fire. Many others had to flee into jungle, living without food or water. All nine towns in the district were under a curfew, and the police have license to shoot. ^[32][33] On the same day, an interview with a Naxalite was published a leading Orissa newspaper called “Sambad” which clearly claimed responsibility and asked why Christians were blamed and attacked. It was deplorable situation where the VHP engaged in genocide of innocents and the state government looked the otherway. ^[34]
On August 31, 2008 violence continued in several parts of the state. As a result curfew was imposed in Jeypore town of Orissa’s Koraput district. Five police personnel were injured in mob violence. The state government sought additional para military forces to combat the continung violence. ^[35]
On September 1, 2008 Government of Orissa claimed the situation was under control. However, 558 houses and 17 places of worship were burnt in communal riots. 543 houses were burnt in the worst hit Kandhamal district. 12,539 people were fed in 10 relief camps, 783 people got the facilities in two relief camps in Rayagada district. In all, 12 companies of para-military forces, 24 platoons of Orissa State Armed Police, two sections of Armed Police Reserve forces and two teams of Special Operation Group (SOG) were deployed to control the riots.^[36] BBC reported that more than 10,000 Christians are living in refugee camps setup by government.
Also, a prominent Maoist leader claimed that Hindu leader Swami Laxamananda Saraswati was killed by Maoists.^[37]

Political Fallout

The ruling goverment of Orissa, headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was a coalition of the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). In the 147-member state assembly, the BJD-BJP combine has 93 members of whom 32 lawmakers are from the BJP.

Some BJP legislators blamed the government for not providing adequate protection to Saraswati, despite other attempts on his life. They called for withdrawing support from the government, which would lead to its collapse.

Response

 Vatican City On Wednesday August 27, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the priests and nuns being victimized. ^[38] He “firmly condemned” the violence and called upon Indian religious and civil authorities “to work together to restore peaceful co-existence and harmony between the different religious communities.” In doing so he said: “I learnt with great sorrow the information concerning the violence against the Christian community in Orissa which broke out after the reprehensible assassination of the Hindu leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.”^[39]

 India Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh called the Orissa violence a “shame” and offered all help from the Centre to end the communal clashes and restore normalcy. He said he would speak to Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik to urge him to take all necessary steps to end the violence. ^[40] The church network – including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the National Council of Churches in India – organized for all Christian institutions to remain closed on August 29, 2008 in protest. The All India Christian Council (AICC) has also planned a sit-in outside the Orissa House in New Delhi on the same day.

Human Rights Watch expressed extreme dismay on the mob violence against Christians instigated by the VHP. The organization also expressed concern on the state government’s lack of intervention in the situation since the christmas violence. ^[41]

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought a report from the Orissa government on the ongoing communal violence in the state. ^[42]

^References:

1. ^ “Four days after VHP leader’s murder, police still clueless“. The Indian Express (2008-08-28). Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
2. ^ Times of India (30 Aug 2008). “Maoists claim they killed ‘fascist’ VHP leader in Orissa” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
3. ^ NDTV (Friday, August 29, 2008). “Christian groups didn’t kill VHP leader: Sources” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
4. ^ The Hoot (Friday, August 27, 2008). “Orissa violence: lies and media reports” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
5. ^ “Indian state erupts in violence after Hindu shot” (in English) (html) (27 August 2008). CNN Asia. Retrieved on 2008-08-29. 
6. ^ “Orissa on edge, VHP scoffs at Maoist theory” (in English) (html) (24 August 2008). Hindustan Times. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
7. ^ http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200808261929.htm
8. ^ All India Christian Council AICC (26 August 2008). “VHP bandh turns violent in Orissa, churches attacked” (html) (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-27.
9. ^ NDTV (28 Aug 2008). “Is violence affecting India’s image” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
10. ^ International Herald Tribune (29 Aug 2008). “Thousands homeless after Hindu-Christian violence in India” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
11. ^ Times of India (30 Aug 2008). “Maoists claim they killed ‘fascist’ VHP leader in Orissa” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
12. ^ Press Trust of India (Friday, August 31, 2008). “Orissa seeks more forces” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
13. ^ “558 houses, 17 places of worship torched during riot: Orissa govt“, Times of India (1 Sep 2008). Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
14. ^ “India Christians shelter in camps“, BBC (1 September 2008). Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
15. ^ http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-35197320080827Reuters India (Wed Aug 27, 2008 3:22pm IST). “Pope deplores anti-Christian violence in Orissa” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-28.
16. ^ http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063156&ch=8/27/2008%207:43:00%20PM Pope ‘firmly condemns’ violence in Orissa
17. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PM_calls_Orissa_violence_a_shame/articleshow/3419084.cmsTimes of India (29 Aug 2008). “PM calls Orissa violence a ’shame’” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
18. ^ Human Rights Watch (28 Aug 2008). “World Leaders Urged to Condemn Violence in Orissa” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-29.
19. ^ Times of India (29 Aug 2008). “NHRC issues notice to Orissa over violence” (in English). Press release. Retrieved on 2008-08-30.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orissa_communal_violence