Orissa archbishop call for more peace efforts on anniversary

More work was needed to bring reconciliation in Kandhamal, said the archbishop of the state, speaking on the anniversary of the 2008 anti-Christian violence.

Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar stressed on peace efforts to tackle religious intolerance in Kandhamal where attacks on nearly 300 villages caused the deaths of more than 70 people.

At least 25,000 people fled for their lives in the violence that was sparked by the 23rd August 2008 killing of political activist Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

With continuing tension and reports of a forthcoming rally by extremists, Archbishop Barwa said memorial events were not planned and that police were guarding main churches across Kandhamal.

More than 170 churches were attacked during the August-September 2008 violence. Prior to it, another 100 churches had come under fire during Christmas 2007.

"Over the past three years, a lot has happened towards reconstruction and dialogue. But there are people who are still afraid. There is some progress towards peace and justice but there is still a lot more to be done," Archbishop Barwa told the Catholic charity 'Aid to the Church in Need'.

"My message is clear: we need peace and tranquility – no more violence, no killing. The Christian faithful have the right to be in Kandhamal. They are growing in faith," said the archbishop, who replaced fellow Archbishop Raphael Cheenath in February.

He said a number of local groups in Kandhamal continued to create problems, blocking the provision of building materials and other supplies for Christian homes and churches.

"We have got justice for what happened in Kandhamal but we are a little discouraged. Lower ranking officials disturb us but the higher ranking ones are trying their best."

Most of the people displaced in 2007-8, said Archbishop Barwa had now returned to Kandhamal, thanks in large part to the construction of more than 3,700 homes, a total expected to rise to 4,000 by the end of the year.

Aid to the Church in Need had provided over $40,000 for counselling and other trauma relief for victims of the violence.

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a rally marking the third anniversary of Saraswati's killing.

Following the rally, a memorandum was submitted to the President calling for CBI enquiry in to the killing and halt to religious conversion.

Nothing untoward was reported during the rally attended by about 4,000 Hindu activists.