Social activists hold candlelight march against church attacks
Social activists here have joined Christians as they seek Central intervention to bring peace in violence-hit Orissa.
By Agencies |
NEW DELHI: Social activists here have joined Christians as they seek Central intervention to bring peace in violence-hit Orissa.
Holding candlelight and displaying placards on Thursday, the protesters sang songs for peace and demanded that culprits be brought to book.
"Our demand is peace in Orissa, Catch the culprits, whoever it is, which ever religion it is. Restore peace immediately. That is our serious demand," said John Dayal, President of All India Christian Council.
Tension prevailed in Orissa's Khandamal District after a mob torched 11 churches and burnt down the house of a Rajya Sabha MP.
Suspected saffron activists were involved in the incident, witnesses and police claimed.
The house of Rajya Sabha MP Radhakant Nayak, a Christian, was torched in the Kandhamal District.
Curfew continued on Thursday in four towns of the district following the killing of a youth and the ransacking of churches.
Paramilitary troops marched through riot-hit areas to prevent untoward incidents.
Though a peace committee has been formed, many Christian families are said to be fleeing their homes.
Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik has reviewed the situation and claimed that steps are being taken to restore normalcy in Kandhamal District.
The Centre has asked the State Government to provide it with a detailed report.
Holding candlelight and displaying placards on Thursday, the protesters sang songs for peace and demanded that culprits be brought to book.
"Our demand is peace in Orissa, Catch the culprits, whoever it is, which ever religion it is. Restore peace immediately. That is our serious demand," said John Dayal, President of All India Christian Council.
Tension prevailed in Orissa's Khandamal District after a mob torched 11 churches and burnt down the house of a Rajya Sabha MP.
Suspected saffron activists were involved in the incident, witnesses and police claimed.
The house of Rajya Sabha MP Radhakant Nayak, a Christian, was torched in the Kandhamal District.
ADVERTISEMENT
Curfew continued on Thursday in four towns of the district following the killing of a youth and the ransacking of churches.
Paramilitary troops marched through riot-hit areas to prevent untoward incidents.
Though a peace committee has been formed, many Christian families are said to be fleeing their homes.
Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik has reviewed the situation and claimed that steps are being taken to restore normalcy in Kandhamal District.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Centre has asked the State Government to provide it with a detailed report.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
