Attrocities against Christians in the State of Orissa with particular reference to the unfortunate happenings in Kandhmal in CNI Phulbani Diocese
The 81st Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Synod of the Church of North India held on 19th and 20th February 2008 received with deep anguish the reports of the unfortunate happenings in the Kandhamal area of Phulbani Diocese on Christmas eve of 2007. The desecration and destruction of Churches and violence against Christians living in the area for centuries must be viewed as violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
Dear Friends,
Warm Greetings to you from the Synod of the Church of North India.
The 81st Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Synod of the Church of North India held on 19th and 20th February 2008 received with deep anguish the reports of the unfortunate happenings in the Kandhamal area of Phulbani Diocese on Christmas eve of 2007. The desecration and destruction of Churches and violence against Christians living in the area for centuries must be viewed as violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. From the close examination of various reports, official and non-official it is beyond doubt that the violence was premeditated, pre-planned and the work of a well disciplined group to ensure simultaneous eruption across the Kandhamal district within hours of the first incident, and to sustain it for five days despite the presence of the highest ranking Police Officers in the region. While condemning the culture of violence and hatred the Executive Committee of the Synod of the Church of North India formed a Core Group at the Synod Office with the General Secretary as the Convener and authorized the General Secretary to take appropriate steps in addressing the needs of the affected people in the Diocese of Phulbani.
The National Commission for Minorities of the Government of India published their report on the atrocities against the Christian minorities in Kandhamal and the report is attached with this Update for your ready reference. The report of the National Commission for Minorities has stated among others that there is no evidence of whatsoever that the increase in population occurred under duress or on account of inducement to conversion. The District Administration through an order dated 11th January 2008 had banned entry of any external agencies for relief work and this order was challenged in the Supreme Court by the Archbishop of Bhubaneswar and on 7th April 2008 the Hon’ble Supreme Court has stayed this order of the District Magistrate.
As directed by the Executive Committee I paid a visit on 30th March till 3rd April 2008 to some of the affected areas such as, Kalinga, G. Udayagiri, Sonapanga, Baliguda and Barakhama and I was accompanied by the three CNI Bishops of Cuttack, Phulbani and Sambalpur and the Director of CNI Synod Programs. An emergency meeting of the Executive Committee of the Diocese of Phulbani also met while we were there to draw up action plan. The affected Christian brethrens in hundreds living in the Relief Camps at Barakhama with very limited facilities have not gone to their respective Churches for worship for the last four months which were vandalized. We have, during our visit encouraged them to go the Churches in whatever condition they may be and hope they will soon be holding their worship service on Sundays in the same vandalized Church Buildings which will be a great witness to those who made an attempt to intimidate them.
Soliciting your prayers,
Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan
GENERAL SECRETARY
