Orissa violence 'worst ever in India's history'

Violence against Christians in the eastern India state of Orissa is the worst ever to occur, claims a report from the All India Christian Council (AICC).

Two reports published by the AICC asserts, Dalits - formerly known as 'Untouchables' - were the main group to be affected by the violence.

AICC sent four of their leaders to the area on a fact-finding mission and says more than 95 churches were either vandalised or destroyed, 730 homes belonging to Christians being burned down.

The team revealed that the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) instigated the attacks and carefully targeted Christians throughout Kandhamal District, Orissa

"We are saddened to acknowledge the violence in Orissa will go into the history books as an unprecedented attack on Christians in India. The tragedy is deepened by proof that the violence was avoidable if the authorities had enforced the rule of law," said Dr Joseph D'souza, AICC President.

"Many have expressed outrage with the authorities and Hindutva extremists whose actions hurt innocent people during Christmas - a season of peace across the world.

"But we must express our anger and frustration in a peaceful manner," said D'souza.

National church bodies in India have demanded access to the troubled Kandhamal region of Orissa state to distribute relief and visit the families affected.