For immediate release

One month after unprecedented anti-Christian attacks, Christian NGOs’

relief efforts not permitted and government compensation is inadequate

HYDERABAD – January 25, 2008 – The Orissa government continues to refuse permission for non-government organisations who want to conduct relief operations in the Kandhamal District. Two days ago the state government announced revised aid packages for those who lost property in the violence which began on Christmas Eve, but Christian leaders are worried it is inadequate.

Thousands of Christians and several hundred Hindus were affected by violence. Government officials have emptied relief camps. Yet, with over 700 Christian homes partially to completely destroyed, many families are without adequate shelter amidst the winter weather. During the past three weeks, Christian leaders – including All India Christian Council (aicc) officials – have appealed for permission to carry out direct relief.

However, according to aicc leaders in Orissa, some residents of Kandhamal District were given relief materials on Tuesday night by two hardline Hindu nationalist groups, the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad). Reportedly, these groups, which have been implicated in planning the violence against Christians, are taking trucks full of supplies to the borders of the district and distributing it only to Hindus.

“We’ve repeatedly appealed to the Orissa government to allow registered, reputable Christian organisations to conduct relief operations. Thousands are homeless. Many have lost all their possessions except the clothes on their backs due to arson of their homes,” said Dr. Joseph D’souza, aicc President. “The Christmas attacks were a tragedy. We pray the inadequate rehabilitation won’t result in another tragedy of needless deaths.”

While refusing to allow NGO relief efforts, the Orissa state government alleged that some Christians were involved with an outlawed Maoist rebel movement. They also said relief efforts could heighten tensions in the area. They require any relief materials to be distributed through local administrative officials.

On Wednesday, January 23, 2008, the Orissa government announced changes in compensation to victims. No amount was announced for rebuilding destroyed churches. Schools, hospitals, and hostels damaged in the violence will be given Rs 200,000. Financial assistance for reconstructing “completely damaged” houses was increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Aicc leaders report that many homes, which are completely destroyed, are being assessed as “partially damaged” by state authorities. Previously the government promised Rs 100,000 to relatives of the deceased, but Christian leaders asked for Rs 500,000.

The state government has also requested Central Reserve Police Forces to remain until mid-March citing continued problems. A night curfew remains in effect for Phiringia, Baliguda, Brahminigaon, and Barakhama villages.

India’s National Commission for Minorities issued a report earlier this week after visiting Orissa on January 6-8, 2008. They noted that caste-based discrimination played a role as well as an anti-conversion campaign conducted by Hindu extremists which “has aimed to prevent the conversion of tribal and Dalits to Christianity.” They faulted state government officials for not preventing the violence since “…As early as 22nd December the Church authorities informed the Sub-Collector that they apprehended trouble on Christmas and asked the district administration to take the necessary measures.” For the full report, see: http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/1875/45/.

A three-person team from India’s National Human Rights Commission visited Orissa as well, but hasn’t released its findings. Aicc leaders have issued two reports. For details, see: http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/1829/42/

According to an aicc Orissa leaders, between Dec. 24, 2007 and Jan. 2, 2008 about 730 Christian homes and 95 churches were burned, 4 Christians were killed (reliable but unconfirmed reports put the death toll at 11), a few hundred people remain missing, several dozen women were sexually harassed and assaulted, and 35 shops belonging to Christians were looted and destroyed.

The violence allegedly began when Christians in Brahminigaon (also spelled Bamunigaon) village in Kandhamal district of Orissa began to celebrate Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2007. Local Hindu fundamentalists opposed the event and a quarrel ensued. Also, a Hindutva leader, Swami Saraswati, was allegedly attacked by Christians – although his claims were never proven and news reports said only his bodyguards were touched as crowds tried to stop him from visiting a Christian area. The next day a VHP-affiliated group called for a strike and VHP members began attacking Christians across the state.

The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

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