Orissa Governor acts on GCIC demands

Following the protest rally by the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), the Governor of Orissa responded to the conditions of GCIC, directing the State Govt. and senior officials to act on the concerns raised.

Last week, the Governor invited GCIC President Dr. Sajan K. George, at a formal meeting in Raj Bhavan, Bhubaneshwar, where he promised to address the issues of the Kandhamal Christians, who were attacked by the Hindutva forces, December 2007.

"Mr. Gupta, the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Orissa, has replied to us on all our demands," said GCIC.

The State Govt. and the Collector of Kandhamal have been directed by the Governor of Orissa to arrange the Education and re–examinations for the children who were affected by the violence, and were forced to discontinue their studies.

The Collector will also give individual attention to the relief and funds distributed to the victims, after several Christians, last month, alleged discrimination and poor management by the officials.

Among the issues raised by GCIC, was the protection measures undertaken by the Govt. to safeguard the Christians.

GCIC confirmed that the “Parliamentary forces deployment is further extended for the safety of the Christians" and the Government would take necessary actions to enhance the security.

The Governor instructed the Chief Secretary of the State to immediately convene the meeting of the State level Coordination Committee for Communal Harmony and sort out problems and solutions for resolving the Kandhamal issues.

Meanwhile, Barakhama, the most affected Christian colony in Kandhamal, started showing signs of serious government intervention.

"Orissa Government paid a sum of Rs 10,000 as the first installment of compensation to twenty–three families whose houses were burnt by religious fanatics," confirmed GCIC.

"The cleaning and construction of the houses have already been started," said GCIC.

The diabolical attack launched by the anti–Christian activists in Orissa, forced families to take refuge in relief camps, while some have even fled to forests in fear of further attacks.

Last month, news reports, confirmed the death of a Christian women, who died at the relief camp, due to lack of support and bad health.