NCM raps Naveen Patnaik Govt. for Kandhamal Violence

Violence in Kandhamal continued unabated, as the National Commission for Minorities (NCM)slammed the ruling BJD-BJP government in Orissa for its failure to handle the situation aftermath Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Jaleshpata Ashram by some unidentified miscreants. NCM Chairman Md. Shafi Qureshi said, "the state government did not play an active role and the situation was allowed to go out of control".

The NCM added insult to injury of Hindus, by asking to use provisions of Orissa Freedom of Religion Act against "those using force to re-convert Christians into Hindus". The NCM held Bajrang Dal responsible for the attacks on Christians and Churches in Orissa. The NCM also asked the state government to involve NGOs and other social welfare groups in carrying out relief and rehabilitation work in the violence-hit areas.