SC declines to direct Orissa govt over the closing of relief camps

The Supreme Court yesterday declined to direct Orissa government in the alleged forceful closure of relief camps in violence-stricken Kandhamal district.

The petition demanded orders to halt the forcible closing of relief camps where Christians attacked in the aftermath of the killing of local VHP leader took shelter.

Keshmati Pradhan filed the petition, after she failed to get a response from the Orissa High Court on a similar complaint.

Counsel for the petitioner, Parshant Bhusan, contended that victims were forced to leave without the government providing adequate security to their lives and properties.

However, the bench comprising of Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam, has fixed April 6 for hearing the petition, challenging Orissa High Court for refusing to entertain the petition, sources said.

After all the "pushing" by state authorities, still over 3000 people remain in relief camps.

Unlike the rest thousands who fled to other states while some sought shelter with friends and families, this remainder is reluctant to leave due to the threats they have received from Hindu fundamentalists.