Kandhamal relief camp attacked: GCIC

A relief camp in Kandhamal was yesterday attacked by Hindu radicals, reported a leading Christian advocacy group in the country.

According to the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), Hindu radicals in the dark of night attacked Mondakia relief camp in Kandhamal, where 1,500 Christian refugees were accommodated since the August 2008 attacks.

A believer, "Swasti Nayak, who was at the front of the camp, was injured at 8:00 p.m. last night," GCIC said adding, "Terrified Christian refugees heard the familiar sounds of drum beats and Hindutva slogans."

The advocacy group fearing a repeat of the August violence asked the local authorities to ensure safety of Christians. "GCIC has informed the SP and Collector and other authorities to send in additional police protection immediately."

Although 50,000 fled during the communal riots, there are remaining only 3,000 Christians in the relief camps.

While the CRPF forces guarding the Kandhamal district were to only stay till April 24, with apprehensions of more violence, the Election Commission extended the period till May 16, when the poll results will be out.