BY AJAY KUMAR SINGH
BHUBANESWAR: Activists and victims of anti-Christian violence in Orissa have expressed relief after a fast track court sentenced nine influential people in an arson case.
The convicted include a government high school teacher and a leader of Hindu hardliners in the Kandhamal district of Orissa state..jpg)
The court sentenced them to five years of hard labor in jail and a fine of 5,000 rupees (US$112). They will have to spend another year in jail if they fail to pay the fine.
The nine were accused of burning Christian houses in Damangpadar village in Kandhamal district.
“We are waiting for such verdicts. This verdict would bring confidence among the
Displaced tribal Christians in Orissa
living in tents (Photo by Michael Coyne)
victims,” says Father Dibakar Parichha, a lawyer who works among the survivors of the 2008 anti-Christian violence.
Manas Ranjan Singh of Human Rights Law Network, a lawyer who helped on the case, hailed the verdict as “a huge success” because the convicts “are very influential persons.”
Father Manoj Kumar Nayak, who is helping rebuilding houses in the area, told ucanews.com that the teacher had indulged in hate campaigns against Christians.
“He deserved the punishment since he indulged in crimes against Christians, instead of teaching,” Father Nayak told UCAN
Nirmala Nayak, a women’s rights leader, said that she was happy that those who spread terror in the area are convicted. “They burnt down the police station and beat policemen, yet for three years the police could not arrest them,” she said.
Father Prasan Singh, the local parish priest, said the verdict has brought relief to his people. “They terrorized the public. I wish now people would muster the courage to testify before the court,” he added.
The anti-Christian violence that lasted for seven weeks from Aug. 24, 2008 claimed 95 lives and destroyed more than 6,500 houses in 450 villages. UCAN