 Recently the European Union discussed the anti-Christian violence on Christmas 2007 in Kandhamal district of Orissa by Viswa Hindu Parisahd activists. MEP Jim Allister from Northern Ireland asked the the EU Commission for External Relations several questions in writing on Jan. 21, 2008: "Is the Commssion aware of the widespread violence against Christians perpetrated by Hindu extremists in Kandhamal district of Orissa during the week that preceded Christmas 2007? Reports indicate that several Christians have been murdered, 65 churches have been burnt down, 600 homes of Christians have been destroyed, and hundreds of Christians have been displaced since the violence began on Christmas Eve. Has the Commission made representations to the Indian authorities to ensure that a thorough investigation be undertaken by the Central Bureau of Investigation and that police accept the complaint of the victims? Will the Commission make sure that action is taken against the perpetrators under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act and that justice is delivered by an appropriate court?" On Feb. 13, 2008, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, answered on behalf of the EU Commission for External Relations Commission: "The Commission is aware of reports of recent violence against Christians, their homes and churches perpetrated by religious extremists in Kandhamal district, Orissa. In response to these events, Commission officials in Brussels have shared with Indian counterparts the concern widely felt in Europe over the scale of the violence and the targeting of the vulnerable part of the population. Indian officials have manifested awareness of the importance of pursuing justice and protecting the vulnerable in this situation. The Commission was also informed that, under Indian law, state government authorities hold the primary reponsibility for law and order in the area. The Commission has received assurances that the Indian Government will ensure that action is taken. The Indian Embassy has also undertaken to provide further information in the future. The Commission’s Delegation in New Delhi will continue to gather information on the violence in Orissa. The Commission's Delegation in New Delhi will follow closely the decision taken by the judicial system against the perpretrators of these acts. In addition, the Delhi-based National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is expected to publish a report on the situation, prepared by the team, which the NCM sent on a fact-finding mission to Orissa earlier in January 2008." Source:http://www.europarl.europa.eu/side/getDoc.do;jsessionid=9360DE6366A3E3CDDB2C82652E281161.node1?type=WQ&language=HU&reference=E-2008-0104&secondRef=0
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