Orissa community refugees enact Passion of Christ in Bombay roads

Mumbai, Oct 6 (UNI) Refugee community people from Orissa enacted the Passion of Christ to highlight the condition of the community in that state.

The prayer march, organised by various community groups led by Indian Christian Voice (ICV), was held at Bandra, a western suburb, yesterday. In the march, the demonstrators, dressed as Roman soldiers, enacted the flogging of Jesus before his Crucifixion at Calvary.

The protestors demanded imposition of the President's Rule in Orissa and allow relief work. They also demanded that the Prime Minister should visit the state to assess the situation.

Other demands included CBI enquiry, ceasement of foreign funding to Hindu NGOs, ban on Bajrang Dal and issue of warning against travel in Orissa.

Talking to UNI, ICV President Abraham Mathais said the allegations of forced conversions are a ''bogey'' perpetuated by the Sangh Parivar.

''The region of Kandhamal was never under the influece of Hindu religion. The tribals there are animists and the Hindus have not provided any social or economic benefits like health and education facilities to the people to have any moral or religious authority or right,'' he said.

Dr Mathias said Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has instigated the violence through the BJP and Bajrang Dal to retain power. ''He has succeeded in that front,'' he remarked.

He said all five states where the BJP is in power, have in place draconian anti-conversion laws which go against Human Rights and the Constitution.

''Several community organisations including those from the NorthEast are joining hands to protect and defend our constitutional rights,'' he added.

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