Tribal Ministry seeks reports on Orissa violence

Shillong, Dec 27 (UNI) Union Tribal Affairs Minister Patty Ripple Kyndiah has said the communal violence at Kandhmal on the eve of Christmas was unfortunate and sought a report from the Orissa government on the clashes, official sources here said.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang also condemned the clashes and attacks on Churches in Orissa. ''The attacks have created a sense of insecurity in the country,'' Mr Lapang told UNI today.

Appealing to the people to maintain peace and harmony, Mr.

Lapang added it was time for people to work hand in hand towards development. '' Secularism is very much in the vein of the Indian constitution and people have been living together for ages in peace based on this fundamental. This fundamental should be respected,'' Lapang added.

The CM also urged the Orissa government to help protect the rights of religious minorities. '' Everyone's rights should be protected,'' he added.

Joining the condemnation were Church leaders in Meghalaya asking the Orisssa government to take immediate steps to prevent recurrence of such violence.

Terming the attacks on Churches on Christmas Eve as ''unfortunate'', various church leaders said such attacks should never have happened in a secular country like India had the district administration in Orissa been cautious.

Archbishop of Shillong archdioceses Rev. Dominic Jala, while appealing for peace and communal harmony also urged the Orissa government to ensure protection of minorities' right in that state.

UNI