ASIA/INDIA - Investigatory Commission for Orissa violence is ineffective and biased, says Archbishop Cheenath: “The future of the democracy of India is at stake.”

Bhubaneshwar (Agenzia Fides) – In order to perform an investigation in the anti-Christian attacks of Orissa, there is a need for independent and objective judges, who carry out a serious and thorough investigation without covering-up crimes or those guilty. This fact was affirmed in a 10-point statement issued by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Bhubaneshwar (Orissa's capital), in whose territory violence and aggressions continue to take place against the Christian community.
In the text, which was also sent to Agenzia Fides, the Archbishop regrets the appointment of some judges on the part of the state authorities, without consultation from the community nor from representatives of the victims of the violence. Thus, there is a need to find authoritative persons, unbiased in every sense, autonomous in every executive power.
From the very beginning, the investigatory commission meant to make an inquiry on the violence that has taken place from December 2007 to August 2008 has appeared “more interested in covering up the misdeeds of the state government and its police force,” than to identify the organisations and prominent individuals behind the fascistic attacks.”
The Archbishop mentions, for example, the difficulties in victims being able to file claims, etc., as the Commission has requested, given that the Christians have fled into the forests and that the refugee camps are terrorized; threats and intimidations continue.
“The people of Orissa...know who the assailants are. This is no secret. What it needs is not an Inquiry for the truth is well known. It needs the political will to do what is right in accordance with the Constitution of India and the laws of this land,” the Archbishop says.
In this campaign, he says, “I do believe that I have the support of all religious communities in India,” including Muslims and Hindus. “I can therefore say with absolute certainty that those who attacked Christians in the name of religion are profoundly anti-hindu and also anti-national.”
The document notes, with regret, that the national leadership “does not appear to e capable of acting bravely and decisively with compassion and clarity to challenge these fascist forces that have divided the nation.”
“What is at stake in the communal attacks in Orissa is not just the future of the Christian community and its security and safety, but the future of our democratic nation itself.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/10/2008)