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The Supreme Court of India urged the central and Orissa government to provide adequate security to the Christians residing in the state. The minority community has been suffering immensely since the killing of a Hindu leader in August. The apex court also notified the Orissa government to reconstruct the churches damaged in violence-torn Kandhamal district. The jury bench that announced the judgments included Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice Markandey Katju and Justice P. Sathasivam.
Justice Katju said that the state will have to ensure Christians’ safety no matter how many companies of forces are required. The observation of the apex court followed the central government’s plan to withdraw part of the paramilitary forces from the state. Senior counsel K.K. Venugopal, appearing for the Orissa government, said that the state cannot let the central government withdraw forces at this juncture as the situation is still tense in the district.
The Kandhamal district of Orissa experienced large scale violence when Hindu mobs attacked the district alleging the Christians of having killed the swami. At least 38 people were killed and thousands were forced to flee their homes. Despite the facts that the Maoists have claimed responsibility for the killings and the Christian organisations have denied any role in the crime, some Hindu organisations have held the minority community responsible for it.
