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The
annual report of the Amnesty International has strongly
criticised the Indian government for the violence
against Christians in Orissa and Karnataka.
In its 2009 report, the leading human rights
organisation noted that, for "two months" Christians
were attacked in the state of Orissa in the aftermath of
the murder of a local VHP leader.
"The attacks, which resulted in at least 25 deaths, were
led by supporters of Hindu nationalist organizations
reportedly allied to the Bharatiya Janata Party part of
Orissa's ruling coalition and included arson, looting
and sexual assault of women," the report pointed.
It alleged "police were either inactive or responded
with excessive force in the face of sectarian violence
against religious and linguistic minorities and ethnic
clashes.”
The Rights group further noted that Christians even in
relief camps were attacked. "In at least two camps for
the displaced, Christians continued to be subjected to
violent attacks by supporters of Hindu nationalist
organizations.”
On the pogroms against Christians in Karnataka last
September, Amnesty estimated that about "30 Christian
places of worship" were attacked by supporters of Hindu
nationalist organisations.
"The suspected perpetrators were arrested only after
opposition party protests," the report said.
Amnesty's report has come just weeks after the U.S.
Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
announced its visit to India in June.
Amnesty International, with 2.2 million members and
subscribers in more than 150 countries, is a worldwide
movement of people who campaign for internationally
recognized human rights for all. The organization was
founded in London in July 1961.
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