UCA News
Contribute

Rights group wants recovery plan for Orissa

Rights Commission seeks report on Kandhamal situation
Rights group wants recovery plan for Orissa
A woman in Orissa shows her son born in a forest after she fled to save herself from a mob that attacked her village during the 2008 anti-Christian violence
Published: January 20, 2011 10:52 AM GMT
Updated: November 29, -0001 04:34 PM GMT

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Orissa state government over the rehabilitation of people in Kandhamal, the epicenter of the 2008 anti-Christian violence. During its Jan. 18-19 tour of the state, the commission, led by K. G. Balakrishnan, asked the government to present a contingency plan to avoid incidences of communal violence in the state. The commission went through 62 human rights violation cases ranging from farmer suicides, displacements and caste-related violence. The human rights team also met some senior government officials besides Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and representatives of NGOs. “The commission assured us that they would seek a detailed report from the government on the rehabilitation package and a contingency plan to avoid such occurrences,” said Adikanda Singh, a dalit human rights activist. The commission asked us to give written complaints on human rights violations in Kandhamal, he said. Singh said the commission should have a special rapporteur to undertake to study situation in Kandhamal. He blamed the government for the worsening situation of human rights in the state. “The criminal justice delivery system has failed. It reflects that the state is not ready to dispense justice for all,” he said. Sister Justine Senapati, a human rights activist rejected the government claims that it is providing an appropriate rehabilitation package to the Kandhamal victims. “The government should come out of its denial politics and look into the real issues of human rights violations,” she said. Related reports Hindu radical charged with rape of Orissa nunSix-year-old Orissa girl identifies dad’s killerFive sentenced to life for murder during Orissa violence IE12950.1637

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia