Date:19/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111959030100.htm

Front Page

Central Ministers visit Kandhamal

Special Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR: A three-member team of Central Ministers on Tuesday visited Orissa’s Kandhamal district to take stock of the situation in the areas affected by communal violence. The team advised the administration to hasten the peace process in the riot-hit district.

The team that comprised Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Social Justice Minister Meira Kumar and Tribal Affairs Minister P.R. Kyndiah visited a relief camp in Raikia and spoke to Christian families living there since August.

Most of those with whom the Ministers interacted expressed their willingness to return to their homes but said they were still at the camp as they apprehended attacks from the majority community.

The Ministers also inspected the facilities at the camp. The refugees handed over a memorandum listing various demands, including measures to restore peace.

The team also visited the Jalespata ashram in Tumudibandha where Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four others were killed by Maoists on August 23.

The Ministers were presented a memorandum by leaders of Sangh parivar organisations, demanding action against those who killed the VHP leader.

The killing of the VHP leader had led to widespread attacks on Christian families and their houses, churches and other institutions. Around 40 people were killed, while thousands took shelter at relief camps, and many left for distant places.