Archbishop files petition in SC for Central forces in Orissa

New Delhi, Sep 2 (UNI) The Supreme Court will tomorrow hear a petition filed today by Archbishop of Cuttack in Orissa seeking effective deployment of Central forces to control violence against Christians in the state.

Rapheal Cheenath, in his petition has also demanded a CBI inquiry against those who are behind the violence against tribal Christians in the state.

Colin Gonsalves, counsel for the petitioner, also demanded an inquiry by National Human Rights Commission against human rights violations in the state.

Mr Gonsalves mentioned the petition for urgent hearing before a bench, comprising Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam, and J M Panchal. The bench inquired from the petitioner why he has not gone to Orissa High Court.

The petitioner's counsel told the court that his client is facing death threat from those involved in violence against the Christians and is confined to his house and cannot move out.

According to the petitioner, 27 Christians have already been killed in the violence and he demanded compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those killed in the viiolence.

The petitioner said the state government had totally failed to control the situation which is worsening day by day.

He has also demanded deployment of RAF, CRPF and others to bring the situation under control.

Bajrang Dal activists started targetting Christians in the state after the murder of Swami Laxmananda and four others.

Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, appearing for the Union Government, told the court,''Centre is alive to the situation and Union Home Secretary is keeping a close watch on the situation in the state and Union Home Ministry will make every possible effort to restore normalcy in the strife-torn state of Orissa.'' The Union Government has been pressing for a CBI inquiry while the state government is hesitating.

UNI SC SP RP DS1540