GCIC demand development package for Kandhamal district

Bhubaneswar, Dec 30 (UNI) The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) today demanded the authorities to announce an economic development package for the Kandhamal district to prevent the recurrence of communal clash in the area.

GCIC President Sajan K George said the lack of any signifiant development in the district had led to clashes between various communities often and demanded the government to announce a package to undertake development programmes in the district.

Mr George also wanted the authorities to provide free ration to people affected by the December 24 clash and to establish refugee camps for the victims.

The GCIC leder also demanded the government to announce a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation package and publish a white paper on the measures taken by the government to rehabilitate the people.

The communal clash erupted on Monday last after some members of the Christian community tried to erect a welcome gate on a disputed land at Brahamanigaon village despite the opposition from the tribal Hindus.

At least three people died, several injured and a number of places of worship were damaged during the clash. The authorites had impose curfew, clamp Prohibitory Orders to quell the situation.

The government had also ordered a judicial inquiry and Minister for Steel and Mines Padmanav Behera had to resign over the issue.

UNI