Orissa communal violence
Appeal: ASIN91 | Orissa and Assam violence | CLOSED
Violent clashes between Hindu and Christian communities in Orissa sparked by the killing of a Hindu leader and four of his aides in late August this year, have led to 35 deaths in Kandhamal District and the displacement of thousands of people from their homes. Institutions run by Christian communities have been targeted. Families who were hiding in the forest since the violence broke out are now taking refuge in relief camps, mostly set up in school buildings, which are becoming more and more crowded. The security of aid workers seeking to serve the people in the camps is a matter of great concern. Central Reserve Police Forces have been deployed by the government to maintain the rule of law. Staff of LWSI working in neighboring Jaipur District have had to be temporarily evacuated due to the risk of the violence spreading.
An assessment team from the Inter Agency Group (IAG) of Orissa, representing 18 members including both CASA and LWSI, and together with the Sphere India representative, visited the camps recently and identified needs for assistance in the following sectors: food, sanitation, health including for mothers and addressing psychological trauma, clothing, schooling, non-food relief items, security, peace and normalcy. (IAG Situation Report on Violence, 10 October 2008)
ACT members’ response: CASA has extended some relief through the Council of Baptisi Churches in North East India. The United Evangelical Lutheran Church of India (UELCI) and CASA have submitted proposals. After discussions with ACT CO on the scope of rehabilitation activities, CASA has decided to implement its activities outside of this ACT appeal.
The United Evangelical Lutheran Church of India (UELCI) plans to provide 1,300 affected families with food, clothing and kitchen utensils. In addition, UELCI will extend psycho-social counseling to the same families through four mobile counseling centres located in district towns.
Signed by:
John Nduna - Director
