Shivraj blames communal forces for Orissa violence

BHUANESHWAR: Union home minister Shivraj Patil indicated on Wednesday that communal forces were behind the violence in Kandhamal district of Orissa, which has claimed three lives so far and rendered scores of Hindus and Christians homeless.

“A majority people want peace. But there are a few who have their own views and designs which create problem,” Patil told reporters at Biju Patnaik Airport after winding up his whirlwind tour of the violence-hit areas.

Asked whether religious conversions were one of the reasons for the violence, he said, “I have not come here to make a judgment or comment. People with different cultural and religious affinities should not be discriminated against.”

Patil spent about 45 minutes and visited a relief camp in Barkhama, Kandhamal, not the most affected Brahmanigaon. He assured people that all steps will be taken to ensure their safety and avoid recurrence of such violence.

Patil also promised to punish the culprits. On the state government ordering a judicial probe into the violence, he said, “We should not depend on the inquiry report. Investigation should start simultaneously.

“The State and Central governments should join hands to help people. All the affected should be adequately compensated.”
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who accompanied Patil on the tour, told reporters that over 80 people had been arrested in connection with the violence.

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