Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083054530400.htm

New Delhi

Protest against killing in Kandhamal district

Staff Reporter

Concern over violation of human rights in the name of religion

- Photo: R. V. Moorthy

United we stand: Christians protesting in New Delhi on Friday against the recent attacks on their community by Hindutva activists in Kandhamal and adjoining areas during a bandh in Orissa.

NEW DELHI: The Legal and Human Rights Department of the All-India Congress Committee organised a protest march from Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti to the National Human Rights Commission headquarters here on Friday to express concern at violation of human rights in the name of religion.

Led by its secretary Ranji Thomas, the AICC delegation demanded that NHRC Chairman Rajendra Baba take appropriate action against all organisations indulging in unconstitutional and murderous activities against the minorities in Orissa as well as Gujarat. They sought lodging of a criminal case against leaders and office-bearers of organisations instigation such violent acts. Meanwhile, a large number of Christian organisations from all over Delhi and neighbourhood organised a dharna at Orissa Bhavan here protesting against the killing of innocent people in Kandhamal district of Orissa. “There are thousands of displaced Christians whose homes were destroyed in the mob violence.

The violence in towns and cities seems to be over, but the villages face the strong possibility of more attacks since security forces are spread thin. We are requesting military intervention,” said All-India Christian Council Orissa State president Rev. P.R. Parichha. All Christian schools and educational institutions were closed in the Capital on Friday to express solidarity with the victims of violence in Orissa.