Statement Of Bhprc Regarding Violence In Orissa

OFFICE OF THE

BARAK HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION COMMITTEE Rongpur Part-iv (Near Uco Bank), Silchar - 9, Cachar (Assam)

FOR EQUALITY, A human rights organisation of the nature as is contemplated under Sec 12 (i) of the JUSTICE Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and registered under AND PEACE the Societies Registration Act, 1860. E-mail: [email protected], FAX- 03842-263592; WebPages: http://bhrpc.net.googlepages.com

Ref. No. BHRPC/

Date:27-12-2007

Statement of BHPRC regarding Violence in Orissa

Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC), a human rights organization headquartered at Silchar, Assam denounces the destruction of several churches and other institutions by a group of religious fanatics in the State of Orissa in India. Reportedly at least a dozen churches and prayer houses were ransacked and torched by Hindutva activists belonging to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Christmas day. One person was killed and 25 hurt in the ensuing violence in different parts of Orissa. This atrocious act displays an increasing trend in anti-Christian violence in India, similar to the attack that was orchestrated against Christians in 1998 in the Dang district of Gujarat. Manindra Shankar Gupta, the Chairperson of BHRPC, expressed solidarity with the victims of this communal violence. “Our hearts reach out to the victims and their families whose Christmas festivities and prayers were interrupted due to this barbaric attack against the community,” he said. Mr. Gupta urged the State and Central governments to stop the atrocity by immediate intervention, to compensate those who have been injured and lost properties including the next of the kin of the deceased and to bring the perpetrators of this heinous undertaking to justice.

Issued by Neharul Ahmed Mazumder Secretary General