People's Democracy

JMS Holds Dharna Against Attacks

On Christians In Orissa

Brinda Karat addressing the dharna at Jantar Mantar

THE Janwadi Mahila Samiti, Delhi state committee, held a day-long dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on January 2 in protest against the communal violence in Orissa, which has led to loss of precious lives of innocent people and property.

A large number of women activists belonging to various women’s organisations participated in the dharna. The protestors sought to draw attention to the reign of terror against Christian minorities let loose by the Sangh Parivar and the total failure of the Orissa government in protecting the minorities. The protestors called upon the union and Orissa governments to take urgent measures to restore the confidence of minorities in the face of fundamentalist communal violence that had spotted with blood the celebration’s of Christmas in the Kandhmal district of Orissa between December 24 and 27, 2007.

Brinda Karat, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and MP expressed her shock and anger at the communal violence in Orissa sponsored by the Sangh Parivar. She condemned the callous attitude of the Orissa government in dealing with the situation and said it had to do with the fact that the BJP is a leading partner in the government. An atmosphere of fear continues to prevail and hundreds of victims of violence have been displaced. They are unable to return to their homes due to the continued threat of violence.

Speakers at the dharna called upon the union and Orissa governments to take urgent measures to restore the confidence of minorities. Those who have been displaced should be provided with security so that they can return to their homes. All those who are responsible for unleashing the widespread violence and causing deaths must be brought to book immediately. The governments should actively intervene to prevent the Sangh Parivar from carrying on its vicious anti-minority campaign.

A memorandum has been sent to the chief minister of Orissa listing certain demands. Other organisations Joint Women's Programme (JWP),  All India Women's Conference (AIWC),  Young Women Christians Association (YWCA) and CWDS too associated with the memorandum.

(INN)