Christians favours CBI probe for Orissa violence

Shillong, Sept 8 (UNI) Christians in Meghalaya today asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to institute a CBI to probe the recent attacks on Christians and churches in Orissa.

Thousands of people from different religious background assembled at an inter-faith peace rally held at the Don Bosco Stadium condemning communal riots in Orissa.

'' We condemned the atrocities committed against our brethrens in Orissa and the government must take stern action against the perpetrator,'' Vicar General of Shillong Archdiocese Fr. Hilarius Lamare said.

Violence has erupted in several parts of Orissa following the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his followers on August 23 at his ashram in Tumudibandha, Kandhamal district of Orissa.

Several Church leaders, including politicians from the state also asked the Prime Minister to enact a law to restrain heinous communal crimes which have become so common in India.

Rev Dr B Dunai of the North East India Fellowship of Charismatic Churches said, '' the attacks on the innocent poor, especially women and children and religions personnel have resulted in grievous human disaster and loss of life and property.'' He said the culprits responsible for creating communal disharmony and damage caused to people and property should be severely dealt with and those government officials found wanting or negligent in their duties be taken to task.

Former Meghalaya Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition DD Lapang who also spoke on the occasion asked the Orissa government to provide adequate security to minorities Christians in Orissa.

'' India is reputed for its spirit of good. No forces whatsoever, internal or external, can break apart the strong and social fabric India,'' Mr Lapang said.

Earlier, thousands of school children's took out a silent procession condemning the communal violence as they marched towards Don Bosco Stadium.

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