PM assures Christian group of normalcy in Orissa

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday assured a Christian delegation that "every effort" would be made to restore normalcy in Orissa which has been rocked by the communal violence in the wake of the killing of VHP leader.

The assurance was given to the delegation which quoted the Prime Minister as having described the incidents in Orissa as a "national shame".

The delegation met Singh seeking his intervention to maintain peace and ensure safety of Christians in the state.

"The Prime Minister termed the incidents as a national shame. He said whatever has happened should not have happened," CBCI spokesperson Babu Joseph quoted Singh as telling the delegation.

A PMO spokesman said the Prime Minister told the Catholic Bishops Conference of India that the Centre was in touch with the state government and "every effort" would be made to restore normalcy in the state.

Singh also spoke to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and requested him to take immediate steps in this direction and also provide immediate relief to violence-affected people, particularly children.
 
The delegation sought the Prime Minister's intervention and demanded a CBI inquiry into the violent incidents.

The Prime Minister also assured the delegation that adequate compensation will be given to the victims of the violence from his relief fund, Joseph, who was part of the eight-member delegation, said.

Singh said every citizen has the right to live in the country peacefully.

The CBCI spokesman said they demanded adequate relief and rehabilitation for the affected people.