| PRINT EMAIL | |
| BHUBANESWAR, DEC 10 (PTI) Demanding a white paper on the Kandhamal violence, the opposition members today stalled the Orissa assembly forcing adjournment of the House three times and postponment of a debate on the recent riots. Though the government chief whip Bikram Keshari Arukh moved a motion in this regard, the debate could not be initiated as the opposition members created a pandemonium demanding a white paper on the Kandhamal riots. As the opposition members stuck to their demand, Speaker Kishore Mohanty postponed the debate till tomorrow. Earlier the government at the business advisory committee meeting had agreed to give a white paper on Kandhamal situation. However, they did not oblige the assurance, deputy leader of opposition Narasingha Mishra said. Stating that the government should place a white paper or a base paper before going to debate on sensitive issues, Mishra wondered as to why the treasury bench was afraid of producing an official document. Parliamentary Affairs minister Raghunath Mohanty, however, argued that there was no hard and fast rule to place white paper before initiating a debate on any sensitive issue. Law minister B B Harichandan claimed that since the matter was under investigation by the commission of inquiry, it was not possible to place an official document on the situation in the House. Excise minister Debi Prasad Mishra accused the opposition of running away from the debate on Kandhamal issue. | |
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Opposition Demands White Paper on Kandhamal Riots
update on Sr. Meena's case
| Nun Rape Case: Accused ID Parade in Cuttack: HC | |
| CUTTACK, DEC 5 (PTI) Quashing a lower court's order, Orissa High Court today directed that the Test Identification Parade (TIP) of persons accused of raping a nun in Kandhamal be shifted out of the strife-torn district and held in Cuttack. The single judge bench of justice B K Patal, while delivering the decision, asked state crime branch, the investigating agency, to file an application in this regard before the concerned lower court. The High Court also directed the Baliguda sub-divisional judicial magistrate to pass necessary orders upon receiving the investigating agency's application so as to complete the TIP proceedings in Cuttack in promptitude. The catholic church nun had challenged the order of the lower court which had rejected her plea last month for a change of venue of TIP. The magistrate had then stated he had no jurisdiction to consider the circumstances brought to the notice of the court in order to decide holding TIP at a place conducive to fair investigation. Holding the view taken by the Baliguda SDJM court as "not tenable", justice Patel quashed the November 19 order of the lower court. "I am not of the considered view that the impugned order cannot stand the scrutiny of law and is hereby quashed," the judge said in his four-page judgement. The nun who was allegedly raped at K Nuagaon in Baliguda area of Kandhamal during Orissa bandh on August 25 this year had moved the high court urging for a direction to hold the TIP outside the strife-torn district. The High Court further observed that given the facts and circumstances of the case, the TIP proceedings were to be conducted promptly after taking necessary precaution to ensure its credibility. "Decisions as regards the manner in which TIP is conducted includes decision to determine the place in which the TI Parade is conducted," the judge observed. The nun, currently undergoing treatment in New Delhi, had urged the High Court for a direction to hold the parade either in New Delhi or anywhere outside the district, preferably in Bhubaneswar or Cuttack. Responding to the petition, the state government had stated that the prosecution (state crime branch police) was also thinking of requesting the lower court to hold the TIP outside the violence-hit district but not outside the state. The nun was allegedly raped during communal violence erupted following the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23. Thousands of Christians were forced to leave their houses during the attacks.
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Court orders identification parade in Cuttack in nun rape case
Court orders identification parade in
"A single bench of the high court comprising Justice B.K. Patel pronounced the judgment in a crowded court setting aside the order of the sub divisional judicial magistrate at Baliguda," the nun's lawyer Manas Singh told IANS.
"The court has, however, not announced any date for it," Singh added.
The nun was reluctant to attend the identification parade in Kandhamal district despite orders by a local court.
She had petitioned the high court seeking change of the venue to
The Kandhamal district, some 200 km from here, witnessed widespread communal violence after the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his ashram Aug 23.
Thousands of Christian were forced to flee their home after their houses were attacked by rampaging mobs. More than 10,000 people are still living in government-run relief camps in the district.
In her written complaint filed two days after the crime Aug 24, the nun said that a mob of about 40 to 50 armed men attacked a house at K.Nuagaon village where she along with a priest, Thomas Chellantharayil, had taken shelter after their centre was attacked.
The mob dragged her and the priest outside the house and took them to a deserted office of an non-government organisation where she was raped, she said. They also paraded her naked on the streets, she alleged, adding that the incident occurred in the presence of several policemen.
--- IANS
update on Orissa violence
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Three -month update on Orissa violence aftermath
All India Christian Council Press release
Three months after start of India’s unprecedented anti-Christian violence
118 Christian deaths in aicc list of reliable reports
Thousands will face Christmas in relief camps or hiding in forests
HYDERABAD – Nov. 25, 2008: Sparked by the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati on August 23, 2008, anti-Christian violence swept through the eastern state of Orissa during a bandh (strike) on August 25, 2008 and continued for almost two months. Today about 10,000 Christians – mostly Dalits and a few tribals – languish in state-run relief camps and are afraid to return home due to continuing threats by Hindu extremists. Maoist militants claimed responsibility for the swami’s murder, but rightwing Hindu groups blamed Christians and attacked Christians in 14 of 30 districts.
Today the All India Christian Council (aicc) announced it has reliable reports of 118 murdered Christians. Names, locations, and more details are available for 91; the remaining 27 are confirmed by reliable sources but bodies haven’t been identified. Previously, the confirmed death toll was 60 people. However, a fact finding report by an Indian political party estimated 500 deaths after interviews revealed many bodies were not recovered by authorities and some were cremated or buried clandestinely by attackers.
Dr. John Dayal, aicc Secretary General, said, “For thousands of displaced Dalit and tribal Christians in Kandhamal District, this will be their second Christmas spent in relief camps or hiding in the forests. Children couldn’t go to school for much of the year and their parents were unable to find steady work. Threats and coercion against Christian leaders continues unrestrained. We pray for peace and restoration of the rule of law, but the local Christian community is understandably pessimistic.” Hindu extremists targeted Christians in Kandhamal District between Dec. 24, 2007-Jan. 2, 2008.
Rev. P.R. Parichha, aicc Orissa chapter president, said, “Of the 54,000 displaced Christians, about 24,000 victims were in 14 government relief camps until some camps were closed and victims asked to return to their villages. However, due to ongoing threats of attacks and forced conversions, most victims fled to private relief camps in major cities of Orissa or bordering states. Many will never return home.” The aicc has provided blankets and other household items to thousands of victims in both private and government relief camps.
Dr. Joseph D’souza, aicc President, said, “Greater than the tragedy of violent attacks on innocent Christians is the ongoing travesty of justice in Orissa, Karnataka, and other states across India. We have not seen any ringleaders punished, and both the state and central government refuse to prosecute rightwing Hindu ultra-nationalists who incite violence against minorities. This impunity is disgraceful for the world’s largest democracy.”
The aicc hosted a fact finding visit by Baroness Caroline Cox of Queensbury in Greater London, a member of the British House of Lords, from Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2008. She initiated a debate on India’s anti-Christian violence in the United Kingdom Parliament on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008. Read the transcript here: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.com/pa/ld200708/ldhansrd/text/81117-0001.htm#0811175000016. She is also Chief Executive of HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust). Read her report here: http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/2008_HART_UK_Orissa.pdf.
According to the Christian Legal Association of India, over 1,800 complaints about crimes including arson, assault, and murder were collected in the last three months. Aicc has assisted in collecting complaints from victims in relief camps. Lawyers made at least 800 of these into First Information Reports (FIRs) which are filed with police. Hundreds, including a few Christians, were arrested but most released on bail. Fast track courts, promised by the state government, are not functioning yet.
On Nov. 16, 2008, the Orissa government announced compensation ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 200,000 depending on the extent of damage and whether it was a church building or a “prayer hall”. This was in response to a decision on Oct. 22, 2008 by India’s Supreme Court on Writ Petition Civil, 404 of 2008 (Archbishop Raphael Cheenath S.V.D. vs. State of Orissa & ANR). When 105 churches from 15 denominations were vandalised over Christmas 2007, the state authorities refused to assess damaged churches and assist in rebuilding them. Only houses and educational or medical institutions were eligible for compensation. The first structures damaged in the attacks, Dalit businesses, did not receive any assistance.
D’souza said, “We will carefully track the rehabilitation efforts of the state authorities, but we are deeply skeptical at this point. In the past, state assessors categorized fully damaged houses as only partially damaged or endlessly delayed monetary compensation to victims. We’re worried the promise of assistance for churches will not match the reality.”
Dayal said, “The legal status of the Kui people, classified as Scheduled Tribe by the government, and the demands of the Pano people, a Kui speaking tribe classified as Scheduled Caste or Dalit by the government, needs to be resolved. These are critical identity issues exploited by rightwing Hindu leaders in the region.”
Christian leaders are concerned over the progress of investigations by two state-appointed “commissions”. Each is comprised of a single retired Orissa High Court judge. Basudev Panigrahi continues to investigate the Dec. 2007 violence, and Sarat Chandra Mohapatra started an inquiry into the killing of swami Saraswati and subsequent communal violence. At the national level, the National Commission for Minorities issued a report in mid-September. India’s National Human Rights Commission sent an investigative team to Kandhamal, Orissa, from Nov. 12-18, 2008, although a public report is not expected.
Since Aug. 23, 2008, the aicc recorded: 315 villages damaged, 4,640 Christian houses burnt, 54,000 Christians homeless, at least 6 pastors and one Roman Catholic priest killed, 10 priests/pastors/nuns seriously injured, estimated 18,000 Christians injured, at least two women (including a nun) raped, 149 churches destroyed, 13 Christian schools and colleges damaged. Attacks mostly stopped in mid-October, but sporadic violence continues. On Nov. 12, 2008, local aicc leaders said a Catholic church was attacked in G. Udayagiri by a mob of about 200 people. Yesterday, Nov. 24, 2008, police imposed Section 144 in Daringbadi to prevent protests planned by a tribal leader with ties to anti-Christian attacks. Indian Penal Code Section 144 prohibits more than four people from gathering.
For more information, contact:
Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary of Public Affairs
sam@christiancouncil.in
+91-9989697778
+91-40-2786-8908
The All India Christian Council (www.christiancouncil.in), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.
Report from THE HINDU
Report from The Hindu follows:
==============================
Tamil Nadu - Chennai
Rally to condemn atrocities against women
Staff Reporter
CHENNAI: Hundreds of women belonging to secular organisations, including 30 women groups and minority groups, organised a rally here on Saturday to protest the atrocities against women following the communal violence in Orissa.
Social Welfare Board chairman Salma said: "The initiative of women is essential for the unity, peace and integrity of the nation. Women should unite to stop all forms of communalism from harming innocent women."
Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore A.M. Chinnappa inaugurated the rally. "The Centre should make sincere efforts to carry out a proper investigation to deliver justice to the affected women."
Actor Mohini said the violence against women should be curbed through the collective efforts of all women. "The centre should order a CBI probe to ensure a fair investigation," said Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai, chairman of the Minorities Commission.
==============================
End of Report:
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
STATEMENT OF SR.MEENA LALITHA BAARWA
The Statement of Sr. Meena
On 24th August, around
On 25th August, around
When we reached the Jan Vikas building, they threw us to the verandah on the way to the dinning room, which was full of ashes and broken glass pieces. One of them tore my blouse and others my undergarments. Father Thomas Chellan protested but they beat him and pulled him out from there. They pulled out my saree and one of them stepped on my right hand and another on my left hand and then a third person raped me on the verandah mentioned above. When it was over, I managed to get up and put my petticoat and saree. The another young man whom I can identify caught me and took me to a room near the staircase. He opened his pants and was attempting to rape me when the crowd reached there. One man in the crowd told him not to do any further harm and so he left me. I will be able to identify the person who raped me and other three persons who stepped on my hands and tore my saree etc.
I hid myself under the staircase. The crowd was shouting’ where is that sister, come let us rape her, at least 100 people rape. They found me under the staircase and took me out to the road. There I saw Fr. Chellan was kneeling down and the crowd was beating him with hands and sticks. They were searching for a rope to tie both of us together to burn us in fire. Someone suggested to make us parade naked. They made us to walk on the road till Nwagaon market which was half a kilometer from there. They made us to fold our hands and walk. I was with petticoat and saree as they had already torn away my blouse and undergarments. They tried to strip even there but I resisted and they went on beating me with hands on my cheeks and head and with sticks on my back several times.
When we reached the market place a dozen of OSAP policemen were there. I went to them asking to protect me and I sat in between two policemen but they did not move. One from the crowd again pulled me out from there and they wanted to lock us in their
The mob said that they will comeback after eating and one of them who attacked me remained back in the police outpost. Policemen then came to police outpost. They were talking very friendly with the man who had attacked me and stayed back . In police outpost we remained until the inspector incharge of Balliguda with his police team came and took us to Balliguda. They were afraid to take us straight to the police station and they kept us sometime in jeep in the garage, from there they brought us to the station. The inspector inchareg and other two government officers took me privately and asked whatever happened to me. I narrated every thing in detail to the police, how I was attacked, raped, taken away from policemen, paraded half naked and how the police men did not help me when I asked for help while weeping bitterly. I saw the inspector writing down. The inspector asked me “are you interested in filing FIR?” Do you now what will be the consequence? At about
On
At around
State police failed to stop the crimes, failed to protect me from the attackers, they were friendly with the attackers, and they tried their best that I did not register an FIR, not make complaints against police, police did not take down my statement as I narrated in detail and they abandoned me half of the way. I was raped and now I don’t want to be victimized by the Orissa Police. I want C.B.I enquiry. God bless
Sr. Meena
THANK YOU
25 November 2008
Dear WISI Convenor,
Greetings!
Though this note is not meant to serve as a pat on one’s own back, it certainly intends to record the momentous success of the rally held on Saturday, 22 November 2008 – the first major initiative of WISI (Women’s Initiative for Secular India).
By some twist of destiny, it was the Archdiocesan Women’s Commission that invited secular-minded members of the civil society in Chennai to consultation on the nature of response to be issues in the wake of the Orissa communal crisis. It was heartening to note that the following organizations that responded constructively, by co-convening WISI:
AIDWA | Pengal Munnani | IWID |Women's Collective | TNVHA |Women Lawyers' Association | SWAP-ULEIC | CWF | Archdiocesan Women’s Commission | WSF | Cycle Association | Dalit Women's Forum | NFIW | CRI |CVI |LOM |
Besides, others who actively participated include: Members from DPC, Fr. Kulandai Gnani (Nam Vazhvu), CRMI, Laity Commission and Laity Council, staff and students from
It is time to thank each and every one who was involved in the planning, prayer, preparation and participation for/in the rally on Saturday. The turnout was tremendous given that it was a touchy issue and on the day of the rally, it was threatening to pour heavily. All the speakers were par excellence and drove home the single point – though in a myriad ways – against communalism, to the media who represent the eyes and ears of the common people.
Though the media was there in full strength, we still await the delivery of the news that the size of media on that day seemed to promise. But regardless, the important things are that we have come together as WISI and have rightful intentions to do our bit to wipe out communalism wherever it is present.
With that, we invite you to an Evaluation Meeting to take place on 01.12.2008 at 4.30 p.m. at Pastoral Centre, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, No.25,
Looking forward to several more collaborative initiatives to strengthen secularism in
Very Truly Yours,
Auxilia Peter
NEWS RELEASE ON THE RALLY ON 22.11.2008
The Nov. 22 march was organized by 28 women's groups under the Women's Initiative for Secular
Before the rally began, Salesian Archbishop Malayappan Chinnappa of Madras- Mylapore thanked protesters for their support and urged them to be "vigilant against such violence and hatred," which he said could destroy the nation.
Wearing black ribbons and carrying flags and placards, the marchers shouted slogans condemning the violence and urging government at all levels to protect the rights of minorities, women and children in Orissa. They also demanded a ban on right-wing Hindu groups that have attacked Christians and spread hatred among communities.
Another protester, Sudarvilli, said she joined the march to show solidarity with the Orissa victims. This college student expressed hope that the truth would ultimately triumph. She and her friends wore masks and black dresses marked like skeletons to remind people about the evil of violence.
Social Welfare Board chairman Salma said: "The initiative of women is essential for the unity, peace and integrity of the nation. Women should unite to stop all forms of communalism from harming innocent women."
Auxilia Peter, a rally convener, confirmed its main goals were to show solidarity with the victims and demand justice for them. "Women are always the victims of violence, and in Orissa women have also been the victims," the woman lawyer said.
WISI also plans to educate the public about an anti-communal violence bill pending in the Indian parliament, Peter added.
Rally organizers said the alliance was formed on Nov. 1 to promote communal harmony and secularism in response to growing intolerance and hatred in