CWM

India PM backs Orissa church leaders in fight for peace

Tuesday, 02 September 2008 10:16

Church leaders in India have gone to the top in a bid to end escalating violence against Christians in the state of Orissa.

Christian ministers from north India have successfully lobbied the help of the country's prime minister Shri Man Mohan Singh Ji, who has pledged to restore peace in the region.

Church of North India general secretary, Rev Dr Enos Pradhan, who has been involved in the campaign to enlist help from government ministers said:

"The Prime Minister was anguished to know about the situation. He said it was a national shame what is happening in Orissa and categorically said that the Chief Minister and the Governor of Orissa have failed to do their duties."

He added: "The Prime Minister has called on the Chief Minister of Orissa Mr Naveen Patnaik and said that he should see that normalcy is restored immediately."

Man Mohan Singh ji has also pledged to provide funds for rehabilitation of victims caught up in the violence.

The support comes following a memorandum drawn up by church leaders urging government chiefs to take drastic measures to restore peace including:

• suspending current government and police leaders in Orissa and implementing president's rule
• handing over the Kandhamal district to the Indian army
• tracing missing Christians and bringing back those in hiding
• handing over investigations to the Central Bureau of Investigations - including the murder of VHP leader Lakhsmananda Saraswati
• compensating and rehabilitating victims and church institutions
• setting up a fast track criminal court to ensure all ranks of guilty parties are brought to justice

Meanwhile thousands have gathered in prayer in north India to show solidarity with those in suffering.

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