Christians of Barakhama Village Urge the Administration to Relocate Settlement

The traumatized and agonized Christians of Barakhama village in Kandhamal, the epicentre of communal violence in Orissa, are scared to live in the village where they had been living for many generations since time immemorial, and have urged the District Administration to relocate their settlement to a different area where they can live peacefully without any fear.  

In a petition to the Collector they have written “It is impossible and dangerous for us to stay in Barakhama village any more.  Therefore, we once again request you to shift us to another place out of the State to save our lives and for future security. In case of any inaction on the part of administration, we will have no option but to self immolate ourselves to get relief from the trauma that we have been facing since long for practicing Christian religious faith. And for which act of your kindness, the petitioners shall remain grateful to you.”  

The sentiment expressed by the Christians, who are tribal, in the petition seeking relocation is going to change the course of history of culture and tradition.  In a country, where tribal people fight for their rights to stay in the lands inherited from their forefathers, as property provides them with identity, here is a case to reverse the trend.  When there is no security to life what is the use of associating oneself with the land s/he is in possession?  It is a sheer frustration and deadly fear that have compelled our brothers and sisters to think of deserting their inherited properties.  We request the recipient s of this news to uphold the villagers in their prayers so that an amicable solution is reached.