Christian leaders urged to study Mahapatra report on Kandhmal

(July 15, 2009) The Church leaders in India have out rightly rejected Justice S.C. Mahapatra’s interim report on violence in Kandhmal that took place in 2007 and 2008. The report has sited “conversion and anti conversion ‘and obtaining “fake “caste certificates by the people as the main source of tension. The Poor Christian Liberation Movement (PCLM) in a statement issued here in the capital stated that it considers these charges as a serious points of reflection and urges the church leaders in India to study the report carefully rather than rejecting it by terming it as” one sided’ and “fictitious’. Mr. R L Francis, president, PCLM, has expressed surprise that why Mahapatra report has been painted in wrong colours by the Christians in India. This would send wrong message to the western Christian world. The PCLM has drawn attention of the Church in India towards many other judgements and reports which were in favour of the Church and it has full faith in Indian judiciary. The land issue which seems to be the bone of contention must be settled down to bring peace in the area. Obtaining ‘fake’ certificates is a serious crime and the Church instead of suppressing the facts must voluntarily come forward for survey by an impartial agency. To bring long lasting peace in Kandhmal Church must enter into dialogue with every section of the society as the Indians are not oppose to any particular religion but feel cheated by any dubious activities.