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'Christians in Orissa will have a safe Christmas' |
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Written by Correspondent
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Wednesday, 10 December 2008 |
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 New Delhi: With Christians in Orissa apprehending fresh trouble during the Christmas festivities later this month, home minister P Chidambaram assured them on 10 December 2008 that the Centre would ensure their safety.
The assurance was given by Chidambaram when a delegation led by Delhi Archbishop Vincent M Concessao met him in the backdrop of a bandh call by some organisations in the State on Christmas day.
"We apprised the home minister of our very strong apprehension that the celebrations will be targeted by unruly elements as had happened last time," Babu Joseph, spokesperson of the Catholic Bishop Conference of India (CBCI), said.
Orissa has witnessed a series of attacks on the Christian community during the recent past allegedly by activists of Sangh Parivar outfits, leaving over 40 persons dead. Similar violence also broke out in parts of Karnataka and Kerala where churches were attacked. The delegation also sought Chidambaram's intervention in providing reservation for Dalit Christians.
"All commissions have favourably recommended inclusion of Dalit Christians in the quota regime. We need a speedy implementation of this proposal," Joseph said.
Joseph said the home minister told them that he was aware of the issue and would "certainly apply his mind on the matter". (Source: The Times of India dated 11 December 2008) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Christians_in_Orissa_will_have_a_safe_Christmas/articleshow/3820351.cms
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 December 2008 )
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