Wednesday, October 08, 2008

National commission for Scheduled castes to visit Kandhamal in Orissa

Orissa:

With violence continuing against the Dalit and tribal Christians in Orissa, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has decided to inquire into the matter.
A full-fledged team of the Commission chaired by NCSC Chairman Buta Singh is visting Orissa on October 17 for a two-day enquiry into the whole episode.

The team will visit the worst affected Kandhamal district and adjoining areas to assess the situation. NCSC members will also hold meetings with the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and DGP of the state.

The Commission will examine cases of attacks against Dalit Christians and also assess the steps taken by the state government to safeguard their life and property.

The Commission had earlier sought a detailed report from the Orissa Chief Secretary on the communal violence there after the killing of VHP leader Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23.

A fortnight back, the Orissa government apprised the Commission of the background of the violence and the measures taken by it to control communal clashes and compensate victims