Source: news.bbc.co.uk

ORISSA, INDIA, February, 7, 2010: A delegation of the European Union is due to visit a region which was hit by religious riots in the eastern Indian state of Orissa last year.

Kandhamal district witnessed weeks of anti-Christian violence after a Hindu leader was shot dead. The clashes erupted after hard line Hindu groups blamed Christians for the killing. The government set up two fast-track courts to deal speedily with cases relating to the riots.

Hindus have protested against the visit saying it was a violation of the sovereignty of the country. The violence in Kandhamal district left at least 40 people dead and more than 25,000 homeless. Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik said the 11 member-delegation was going to Kandhamal to see the “development activities there”.

Christian leaders have denied that the visit would lead to religious tensions.

Posted in Hindu Press International

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