Orissa limps back to normalcy

Amidst tight security arrangements, Christians congregate at the churches for prayers, reports Himansu S Sahoo.

With no fresh reports of violence, Sunday prayers in churches in Orissa’s Kandhamal district passed peacefully. Amid tight security arrangements, Christians congregated at the churches for prayers.

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According to Kandhamal SP Narasihma Bhol, almost all churches in the district were provided security on Sunday. “Not a single incident of violence was reported from the district during the day,” he said.

Reverend Suranjan Nayak of Phulbani Church told HT, “The attendance was moderate in many churches. Apprehending tension, several Christian community members avoided coming to church, but everything was peaceful.”

As a sign of normalcy returning in Kandhamal, many people who had fled their villages returned to their homes.

Armed police and para-military forces were deployed in sensitive areas. The Kandhamal SP said that in Barakhama, Tikabali and Daringibadi areas, many people returned to their villages.

In Bhubaneswar, a delegation from the Global Council of Indian Christians sat on dharna on Sunday along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg condemning the attacks on Christians.

The CPI took out a rally condemning the Kandhamal violence. A delegation of Opposition parties in the state apprised the Governor of the situation.