TN Christians observe fast to protest killing in Orissa

Chennai, Sep 7(UNI) Christians of Catholic Church of South India (CSI) and other denominations, today observed fast, protesting the killing of minority Christians in Orissa.

Bishop A L Chinnappa who led the fast here, said Christians from Tamil Nadu wanted to visit Orissa and help the affected, but couldn't, as the present situation was not conducive for this.

He alleged that the Orissa government was also denied permission, when some of the Christian voluntary organisations wanted to visit the state and provide relief-materials to the affected people.

Those who took part in the fast, held placards, demanding the centre and state governments to initiate immediate action against those who unleashed indiscriminate violence against the Christian minorities to bring them to book.

Meanwhile, members of CSI held special prayer-meetings for speedy return of peace and tranquility in Orissa for the well-being of the affected-people.

They said violence in some parts of the state was still going on unabated and urged the Orissa government to take firm steps to curb the violence.

Many, who fled their homes, were still living in forests and they could not be given any relief materials, they said.

UNI WS DB 1759