Orissa's Christians to lose protection

As of next month, there will no longer be paramilitary forces guarding Christians still living in relief camps in India's communally sensitive Kandhamal district in Orissa.

The Indian government has decided to withdraw all para-military forces by the end of this month.

The pullout comes as the US Commission on International Religious Freedom is scheduled to visit India in June to assess the government’s response to communal violence in states like Orissa.

Last August, Hindu extremists attacked Christians in Kandhamal in Orissa state, killing dozens, destroying homes and churches, and forcing tens of thousands to find refuge in relief camps and elsewhere.

Currently, seven of the 42 paramilitary units that were deployed in the district in January remain. Many of the central forces were withdrawn after violence was curbed in several districts.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier pleaded for security forces to stay to protect Christians until they returned to their homes. However, the proposal was rejected.

DGP Manmohan Praharaj has also expressed apprehensions over the withdrawal of the forces, as attacks have continued against the Christian minority.

Praharaj said the state government woule deploy its own forces, including the Orissa State Armed Police, to protect those still in relief camps.