Rajiv ends hunger strike as govt. responds: Orissa

Rajiv Joseph, the layman Christian, who was adamant to culminate his fast unless, the Orissa stat govt. responds, has finally ended his 11 days hunger strike.

President of a newly founded political party, the Indian Minority Front, Joseph, ended his fast after the state govt. called off the Orissa bandh and dispatched more security forces for Christians who were victims of violence instigated by Hindu radicals.

After beginning his fast on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, Joseph said, he has only consumed water since he began his strike. Despite police taking him to hospital, he says, nothing could derail his mission. Christian leaders were taken aback when he stated his hunger strike was "until success or death".

A Catholic source said, "Joseph ended his fast with drinking juice from P.C Thomas in the presence of several leaders including minority and religious leaders."

The layman founded the Indian Minority Front, after noting that, there were fewer patronages for Christians especially in the political circle. Hence, he initiated the Christian political party to fight for justice for the minorities and dalits. Its inception came immediately after the outbreak of violence in Orissa that displaced thousands of Christians.

Meanwhile, Christian leaders in the country thanked the Central and state govt. for sending more security forces to ensure Christians in Orissa celebrate a peaceful Christmas.

"We have not received information of any trouble. It seems to be all peaceful," the Archbishop of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Raphael Cheenath, told IANS.

"We held the Christmas mass with prayer and singing," Cheenath said, adding that he is satisfied with the security arrangements made by the government.

"We are confident the Christmas celebrations will also pass off peacefully in the state," Cheenath said.