Orissa govt tells SC it can't give Rs 3 crore compensation

New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) The Orissa government has told the Supreme Court that it cannot give a compensation of Rs three crore as demanded by the petitioner Archbishop of Cuttack for reconstruction of Churches demolished and damaged during the Kandhamal violence as such compensation is not permissible under the secular policy of the State.

The state Government, in its counter affidavit filed in the apex court today, also opposed the demand of the petitioner for a CBI inquiry into the alleged rape and humiliation of a nun by rioters.

According to the Orissa Government, the Crime Branch of the state police is investigating the incident diligently and in a free and fair manner.

The Government has also submitted that it is taking all possible steps to reconstruct public institutions like schools, hospitals, hostels and orphanages damaged during the violence which sparked off following the assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and his four associates on August 23 this year.

The Orissa Government has also submitted that all possible steps have been taken to protect those living in relief camps and nearly 10,000 people have already returned to their homes following the Confidence-Building Measures taken by it.

Bajrang Dal activists are facing allegations of indulging in violence against Christians for alleged forcible conversions of Hindus to Christianity.

Till now 27 lives have been lost in the violence. The matter will come up for hearing in the Supreme Court tomorrow.

The state Government has also submitted that so far the demand for compensation to the victims of violence is concerned, it has already given a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the familiies of those killed and remaining three lakh has to be paid by the Central government.

The District Magistrate of Kandhamal has already informed the Centre about the compensation amount.

UNI SC ARB RP HT1722