India

PM offers compensation for communal violence victims

Article published on the 2008-09-01 Latest update 2008-09-01 12:48 TU

Indian Christians protest in Orissa State, 1 September 2008
(photo: Reuters)

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked the authorities in Orissa to punish those responsible for murder and arson in the recent anti-Christian violence in some parts of the state. He also said the government would provide assistance for victims of the attacks, and for the families of the 16 people killed.

The curfew in parts of Orissa state in the east of India, has been lifted except in Jeypore, Koraput district where there were clashes on 30 August 2008. The Press Trust of India said that there had been sporadic violence on Monday.

The violence erupted after the murder of a Hindu-nationalist priest by unknown gunmen in Orissa's Kandhamal district, and according to the local police, has left 16 people dead and many more injured.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had until Monday remained silent about the anti-Christian attacks, has asked Orissa state authorities to stamp out anti-Christian rioting and punish those responsible for murder and arson.

About 200 people have been arrested in connection with the riots and 13,000 others, mostly Christians, are sheltering under police guard in seven camps in Kandhamal. Thousands of others have also fled to the jungles after their homes, churches and prayer halls were torched.

Singh also promised financial aid to families who lost members or to victims who have been permanently incapacitated in the incidents.

The violence has drawn condemnation from Pope Benedict XVIII and the Italian government.

Christians account for 2.3 percent of India's billion-plus population. Hindu radicals accuse missionaries of luring poor tribals and low-caste Hindus to convert to Christianity by offering free education and health care.