Dr. Udit Raj, President of the Indian Justice Party strongly condemned the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal actions which led to the burning of more than thirty churches and Christian institutions and killing of a Christian on the eve of Christmas festival in Kandamal district in Orissa. This was an organized crime and a tacit support of Navin Patnaik Government cannot be ruled out. There was widespread violence and rampage in towns like Phulbani, Baliguda, Darangibari and Brahmnagaon. Dr. Udit Raj said that had there not been the direct and indirect support of the State machinery, the VHP and Bajrang Dal lumpens would not have dared to burn police station and blocked the roads for hours together. Kandamal District is tribal dominated and what irked the VHP and Bajrang Dal outfits was that the Christian missionaries are aiding these poor tribals with education and making them aware of health consciousness and human rights. The so-called casteist forces have never liked that SC/STs should get equal rights and dignity.

Dr. Udit Raj said that he tried to contact the Orissa Director General of Police and Chief Minister Navin Patnaik in this regard but none of them was available. Even the house of the State Minister of Mines and Steel, Padmanabha Behera was burnt down. All these happenings have clearly established that a handful of VHP and Bajrang Dal workers have disrupted normal life across the State. Dr. Udit Raj said that he has instructed the State Chief of the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations Shri Dilip Behera, to make a visit to the spot and give his correct findings within forty-eight hours. Once the findings are received, we shall decide the future course of action.

Meanwhile, President of the All India Christian Council, Dr. Joseph D'souza is touch with us and modalities are being worked out as to how to protest against these dastardly acts and save the lives of Christians in Orissa.

(C.L. Maurya)