Top Indian Official Apologizes for Anti-Christian Violence
India's top government official infused a message of hope and confidence into the Christian community after visiting Kandhamal district in the state of Orissa on Friday.
Appalled by the violence and its consequences on Christians in the communally sensitive Kandhamal, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram apologized and offered adequate security and rehabilitation measures to help the affected start their lives newly.
Chidambaram visited relief camps at Mandaika, Rahikola, Tiangia and Tikabali and interacted with the violence-affected victims there.
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"I am sorry that certain things happened last year and you have been brought to these camps. But you must go back to your villages. I am here to remove your fear and assure you that Center and State government will offer all protection," Chidambaram said.
There are still over 2,000 victims cooped in Kandhamal relief camps who have yet to return to their villages. Earlier, there were 50,000 people who were forced into these camps at the peak of violence in the aftermath of the murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, a Hindu fundamentalist leader, in August 2008.
Chidambaram condemned the attacks and expressed regret over what happened on August 23. He urged the victims to "go back to your villages, build your homes and churches and practice your religion without any fear."
He declared that by the end of next month the government would make all efforts to help the victims return to their homes.
When victims expressed fear of returning due to fanatic groups and their atrocious activities, the cabinet minister of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, assured, "Whoever has been found accused or involved in violent activities, will be prosecuted and punished."
He added, "Christians are living all over the country. Nobody has any rights to question you on your identity or citizenship. Fear is your worst enemy. Counter this with boldness and start life afresh."
In regards to the conditions in relief camps, the former finance minister was appalled that the rice provided in relief camps were of poor quality and also noted that the compensation was inadequate.
The home minister further criticized the state authorities for their lack of concern and even held the police responsible for failing to protect the minority community members.
State police are partly to be blamed for the violence in Kandhamal considering they did not do enough for 30-40 days, he noted.
Chidambaram assured the Orissa state government that the para military forces would continue to protect the displaced until the last person returns to his village. The assurance came amid worries that the central forces would be pulled out at the end of June.
