Bhuvaneshwar: As the answer to Christians in India and across the globe, the state including Kandhamal district celebrated a peaceful Christmas on December 25, 2008. The threat of a bandh and violence loomed large on the state as the fundamentalists were continuing their aggression against Christians.

The voices of concern raised by Christian solidarity worldwide and the pressure of the Central Government and human rights organisations in the country forced the Navin Patnaik Government to strive to bring the fanatics on the path of negotiation and cancel their plans for more violence.

Many lament that even the ethnic cleansing of Christians could have been avoided had the government acted earlier, to control the wicked designs of evil people. However Christmas celebrations just didn’t pass off peacefully, but also “ushered in tremendous confidence among the affected people of Kandhamal,” says Father Joe Xavier. The hope is that the government will continue to provide security.

The civil society organised a peace meeting in K. Nuagaon and Phulbani on December 25, 2008. The leaders highlighted the importance of peace, harmony and coexistence of Dalits and Adivasis. It was emphasised not to demonize the communities or become victims of fundamentalist forces.

About 4000 primary school teachers and 2000 youth have committed themselves for the peace process in Kandhamal. The street plays enacted by social peace activists covering 11 blocks have helped promote social harmony. The activists of Naba Nirman Samiti, Sarvodaya Grou-ps and the Primary Teachers’ Federation worked very hard to promote peace process.

Thousands joined in prayer and still continue to pray for peace in Orissa and all over India. About 150 pastors spent two days in prayer and fasting on December 19th and 20th at YMCA, Bhubaneswar.

It is imperative for the state government to continue to provide security and maintain law and order. It has the goodwill of civil society. It should not betray again the confidence of poor citizens who happen to be Christians. The citizens for peace must continue to hold public institutions, policies and programs of government accountable for preserving justice and maintaining order.

Orissa DGP along with some officers flew to Kandhamal to personally oversee security arrangements. About 5000 security personnel from Orissa police, CRPF and RAF were deployed all over Kandhamal. For this purpose chopper was used over Kandhamal and Gajapati district. 

At Barakhama village (a sensitive zone in Kandhamal), the tribals who are in conflict with Christians for decades observed “Saheed Diwas” (Martyrs day) in memory of Khageswar Mullick, a tribal who died in a sectarian clash on 24th night, 2007.This program was organized by Kui Samaj coordination committee. Initially the government was reluctant to allow the tribals to hold the memorial program .However; the local officials after ensuring the peace allowed the group to celebrate peacefully. Officials said that the situation indicates the signs of return of communal amity in violence ridden areas. None the less, there were few reports about the arrest of a man in Tikabali one who fell down the tree to block the road. In Mohana, the shops were closed. 

In all the relief camps in Kandhamal food was provided by Caritas India through district administration and the victims living in Bhubaneswar celebrated Christmas in the evening and program was sponsored by Orissa Follow Up under the leadership of Rev.Pranab Ku.Mukherjee, the director of Care and Share Mission. In Doberisahi church, the Christians and non Christian tribals celebrated Christmas joyfully. Beside this, in all the thirty district of Orissa celebrated Christmas peacefully.