Over 100 killed in Orissa claims advocacy group

Over 100 Christians have been killed during the August-September Orissa violence, claims a major Christian advocacy group in the country.

"Names, locations, and more details are available for 91 (of the dead). The remaining 27 are confirmed by reliable sources but bodies haven't been identified,'' the All India Christian Council (aicc) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The latest handout has come as a shock to many, who are yet to come to terms with the death of 60 Christians, as reported by the Bishop's Council last month.

Dr. John Dayal, aicc Secretary General, said, "For thousands of displaced Dalit and tribal Christians in Kandhamal District, this will be their second Christmas spent in relief camps or hiding in the forests."

"Children couldn't go to school for much of the year and their parents were unable to find steady work. Threats and coercion against Christian leaders continues unrestrained. We pray for peace and restoration of the rule of law, but the local Christian community is understandably pessimistic," he added.

There are still over 20,000 victims in government relief camps. Rev. P.R. Parichha, aicc Orissa chapter president, claimed, "Of the 54,000 displaced Christians, about 24,000 victims were in 14 government relief camps until some camps were closed and victims asked to return to their villages. However, due to ongoing threats of attacks and forced conversions, most victims fled to private relief camps in major cities of Orissa or bordering states. Many will never return home."

The Christian council's president, Dr. Joseph D'souza, meanwhile says, the travesty of justice in Orissa and other riot-hit states are greater than the violence that has occurred.

"We have not seen any ringleaders punished, and both the state and central government refuse to prosecute rightwing Hindu ultra-nationalists who incite violence against minorities. This impunity is disgraceful for the world's largest democracy," he said.

Last month, an independent fact-finding team claimed that over 500 people have been killed in the month long violence which has been termed as one of the largest ever anti-Christian violence in the country.

While the government has announced compensation and re-construction of churches and houses, victims cry nothing has been done.

The violence since August 23 was sparked by the murder of a local VHP leader. Over 400 churches were burnt in the mayhem, even as Hindu fundamentalists accused Christians of forceful conversions and committed brutal atrocities on the minuscule community.