Two years since violence struck the Tribal and Dalit Christian community in Kandhamal district of Orissa. Official relief camps have closed, but many victims are still living in makeshift shelters, without access to basic living facilities, uncertain about their future.
The NCCI expresses its gratitude to all organizations, agencies, movements who stood by the people of Khandamal and continue to accompany them in their bid to reconstruct their lives.
Fear is still there in the minds of the people. Right wing ideologies are still threatening the leaders and adherents of Christian faith and other people of goodwill working for peace in Khandamal. Despite all these ground realities people have decided to move on with their daily activities.
Recognizing the recent National People’s Tribunal (NPT) on Kandhamal, held in New Delhi on 22-24 August 2010, organized by the National Solidarity, the NCCI acknowledges the recommendations made by the tribunal and urges the government and all agencies to give immediate effect to the recommendations in order that dignity of life to the Tribals and Dalits of Khandamal is fully restored.
The NCCI is committed to accompany the churches and the victims in the affected districts in order that the ministries of the churches and Christian organizations in the area are restored. The churches in India are urged to pray for security of the Dalit and Tribal Christian communities and urge the churches to extend all possible help to the people of Khandamal to promote harmonious living among different people groups in the region.
Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi Bishop H. G. Mar Irenaios
Executive Secretary, NCCI-COUME Chairperson, NCCI-COUME
Bishop Dr. Taranath S. Sagar Rev. Asir Ebenezer
President, NCCI Officiating General Secretary, NCCI |
