Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Religious intolearnce surfaces in Orissa on Christamas day

The christamas that passed off recently in 2007 has witneed communal riots between Hindus and Christians in Orissa State where tensions are known to have built up between both the communities since long. The trouble started off when some christians attacked a Hindu religious aged leader. Hell broke out. Scores of Churches and Christian properties have been burnt without any remorse. Violence very greatly afftected Kandhamal district although goverment has been claimg that situation is under control. The rioters fell trees on the roads to prevent police vehicles to recah quickly. Police fired at Brahamnigaon town. On 27 December Christian mobs set fire to several houses belonging to Hindus and Hindus reacted by burning down 11 churches in Brahmanigaon. Seven more churches and several residental houses were burnt down by Hindus in areas Gandapadr, Badahapanga, Bhandarapada, Pisupadar, Masapadar ,Minia and Adigara. The governmnet sent reinforcements only after damage has been done as reported. The Hindu dominated tribal district is trouble some. In fact Orissa witnessed murder of Australian missionaery Stains and his children who were burnt down in his van some years ago. It is very sad that Christan and Hindu clashes are regualr affair in Orissa and this problem is required to be looked into with great concern and prevent such incidents in fuure. It is a shame for the country.

Dr K Prabhakar Rao

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