New Delhi- August 25, 2010
A group of some 50 organizations,today plan to rally near parliament today to mark the second anniversary of the 2008 anti-Christian violence in Orissa.

The rally organizers have named Aug. 25 as “Kandhamal Day” to remind about the violence that began in the Orissa district on that day following the murder of a Hindu a leader there on Aug. 23 night.

The violence that continued for seven weeks was “one of the worst communal genocide attempts on the Christian community” and it has shaken the conscience of many in this country- National Solidarity Forum.

Nearly 100 people were killed, women were gang raped and many were injured. About 295 churches were destroyed and even schools, colleges and medical institutions were not spared. Even now, thousands of people cannot go back to their villages, said the forum, a a coalition of various groups and movements.

“When all the promises of Indian Constitution are destroyed by a group of Sangh Parivar followers, it is a shame that the administration stood as either silent spectators or indirectly supporting the genocide attempt
The rally aims to demand “full compensation to all widows and next of kin of those who died in the riots. It also wants government compensate for loss of livelihood for two years and resettlement of victims with full land rights. It also demands full compensation for houses destroyed in mass arson.

Also demanded transfer the investigation of riot crimes to Central Bureau of Investigation or setting up special investigation team for riot cases.

Employment of men and women victims, implementation of a basic witness protection scheme and provision of assistance and remuneration to victims in order to ensure their testimony in court are other demands.