ID :
54842
Fri, 04/10/2009 - 20:03
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/54842
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Saffron flags protect Christian houses
K Nuagaon (Orissa), Apr 10 (PTI) Months after the
bloody riots targeting Christians in India's eastern state of
Orissa, saffron flags flutter atop houses on both sides of the
roads linking this village to Raikia and Baliguda blocks in
Kandhamal district.
Banners proclaiming the celebration of 'Hindu Nava
Barsa' and 'Panchu Danda Samabesh' (a local tribal festival)
are in evidence some yards from the Divya Jyoti Pastoral
Centre here, which was attacked by a mob in the wake of the
killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda
Saraswati and four of his associates.
The mob had also assaulted the priest living in the
centre Thomas Chalan besides allegedly raping the nun residing
in it. The centre is locked now.
The saffron flags on houses are to be seen in plenty
as one drives from the district headquarters town of Phulbani
to interior areas.
But these flags are not an indication of local
Christians changing their religion but have been hoisted to
protect them from the ire of right wing outfits.
In some villages, Hindus have placed the saffron flags
on the houses of their Christian neighbours for their
protection, while at some places Christians themselves put
them out of fear, villagers said.
"We cannot remove these flags. These saffron flags are
a 'rakshya kabach (safeguard) for our houses and property,
said Sita Mallick of Raika area. A crucifix around her neck
proclaims her religion.
"Praying to my god under the saffron flag does not
mean I have changed my faith," the 45-year-old woman says.
Like Sita many prefer not to remove the flags from
their houses.
"Who will protect our houses? Can the police guard all
our houses?" asked another staying at a the relief camp here.
The local Sangh Parivar leaders do not mind the
sprouting of saffron besides the roads.
"What is wrong if saffron flags fly on every house in
Kandhamal?" asks a local youth saying that no one was being
forced to reconvert.
"Controlling the situation and protecting the life of
people is on top of the agenda of the police," said Kandhamal
Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar.
"The situation has been peaceful for over five months
now," he added.
Over 40 people were killed in the communal violence in
the district last year. PTI AAM
PMR
NNNN
bloody riots targeting Christians in India's eastern state of
Orissa, saffron flags flutter atop houses on both sides of the
roads linking this village to Raikia and Baliguda blocks in
Kandhamal district.
Banners proclaiming the celebration of 'Hindu Nava
Barsa' and 'Panchu Danda Samabesh' (a local tribal festival)
are in evidence some yards from the Divya Jyoti Pastoral
Centre here, which was attacked by a mob in the wake of the
killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda
Saraswati and four of his associates.
The mob had also assaulted the priest living in the
centre Thomas Chalan besides allegedly raping the nun residing
in it. The centre is locked now.
The saffron flags on houses are to be seen in plenty
as one drives from the district headquarters town of Phulbani
to interior areas.
But these flags are not an indication of local
Christians changing their religion but have been hoisted to
protect them from the ire of right wing outfits.
In some villages, Hindus have placed the saffron flags
on the houses of their Christian neighbours for their
protection, while at some places Christians themselves put
them out of fear, villagers said.
"We cannot remove these flags. These saffron flags are
a 'rakshya kabach (safeguard) for our houses and property,
said Sita Mallick of Raika area. A crucifix around her neck
proclaims her religion.
"Praying to my god under the saffron flag does not
mean I have changed my faith," the 45-year-old woman says.
Like Sita many prefer not to remove the flags from
their houses.
"Who will protect our houses? Can the police guard all
our houses?" asked another staying at a the relief camp here.
The local Sangh Parivar leaders do not mind the
sprouting of saffron besides the roads.
"What is wrong if saffron flags fly on every house in
Kandhamal?" asks a local youth saying that no one was being
forced to reconvert.
"Controlling the situation and protecting the life of
people is on top of the agenda of the police," said Kandhamal
Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar.
"The situation has been peaceful for over five months
now," he added.
Over 40 people were killed in the communal violence in
the district last year. PTI AAM
PMR
NNNN
