Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) – The government should establish a "White Book" on the state of Orissa, to address and resolve "neutrality and transparency" issues of displaced people, land restitution, and the right to a peaceful life. This is the appeal expressed to Agenzia Fides by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Bhubaneswar, the diocese where anti-Christian violence broke out in August 2008.
The Archbishop issued the appeal following the visit of a delegation of European Union representatives to the district of Kandhamal, the area of the violence.
"Despite the proclamations of the administrators, dignity and human rights of Christian victims of the violence of 2008 are still very far from a minimum standard of normality. After fifteen months of violence, thousands of refugees are still living on the streets, in makeshift shelters with no hope of returning to a decent life, subjected to constant threats,” the Archbishop told Fides.
Let us pray for lasting peace and reconciliation in Orissa, which is only possible through a transparent justice: that is, allowing the refugees to return to their homes," says Archbishop Cheenath. "We are opposed to a ghettoization of the district of Kandhamal."
The Archbishop denounces the inadequacy of local government in making a neutral and transparent effort to ensure rights for those who are without a home. He also assures of the strong commitment of the Catholic Church in the process of treatment and rehabilitation of displaced persons: "We are approaching the monsoon season and their living conditions could deteriorate even more, and that would cause a humanitarian disaster," he said with alarm.
Initially, after the violence of 2008, the displaced families were about 11,000, for a total of about 54,000 persons. Of these, 1,200 families have left the area to move to other states. Today, about 6,000 families live at best, camped in barracks on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, capital of Orissa, and about 300 families are still residing in refugee camps set up by the government in the Kandhamal district. More than 4,440 families live in tents or makeshift shelters in various towns and villages of the state. Only 1,100 families have received a minimum of humanitarian assistance from the government or NGOs. The Church is doing everything possible and meanwhile, has helped to rebuild some 2,500 homes, but this is still a fraction of the work of humanitarian and reconstruction that is needed.
Many refugees tried to return to their homes, but have received threats and intimidation by Hindu extremists, in the absolute indifference of local civilian authorities.
"The path of justice is of utter importance," notes Archbishop Cheenath. "Today the perpetrators of violence and murders are still free, despite the testimony of eyewitnesses, and many defendants were acquitted. We are requesting a special investigation into the events in Kandhamal," added the Archbishop.
The key points to be included in the "White Book" on Orissa are, according to the Prelate: the compensation due to the refugees for destroyed property, employment and the right to work, and the question of land, which remains the primary element of survival for families in the area." Treading on the right to land, they deny these families the basic sustenance, along with education and health care. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2010)
