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Bhubaneswar (Orissa) In a significant development in the alleged run rape case, a Christian delegation led by Archbishop Rapheal Cheenath met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday at Orissa secretariat and submitted a memorandum suggesting to appoint judge of the fast track court to probe Kandhamal riot cases from a neutral community other than Christian and Hindu.
Seeking to extend the deployment of central forces in Kandhamal till the next general elections, Christian leaders claimed that people were feeling insecure to return to their villages even 90 days after violence that was erupted in August.
Claiming that people were still living under the shadow of fear, they said a large number of Christians of Kandhamal are living in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat and other places as they still insecure.
As many as 15,000 people have fled to different towns, including Bhubaneswar they said.
"Many are unwilling to return, as criminals are still at large and moving with swords and guns in Raikia and Sarangodo blocks," the memorandum said.
They said Christians who are returning to their villages are being forcibly converting to Hinduism and their movements, meeting with other people were also restricted by "fanatics" in Padangi and Shankarakhol area.
They have also requested the Chief Minister to arrange TI parade at the out side the state.
They further also requested the chief minister to allow the Christian organizations for giving assistance for construction and repair work of the Churches damaged during the riot.
"We have requested the Chief Minister to look into the matter," Cheenath said, adding miscreants were looting houses, churches, other institutions and destroying or burning whatever was left.
