A two-member German delegation that visited Kandhamal

Date : 16th April 2010
A two-member German delegation that visited Kandhamal last week has expressed concern over the plight of victims two years after violence hit the district.

The delegation from the Human Rights Committee of the Federal Parliament visited Kandhamal from April 9 to 13, and said they were shocked at the widespread violence that rendered thousands homeless.

Kandhamal district was the epicenter for riots from August to October 2008 following the murder of a Hindu leader. Maoist militants claimed responsibility but extremist Hindus blamed Christians for the murder.

After their visit, the delegation consisting of Mr Ute Granold and Mr Pascal Kober, told reporters that the condition of people living in Kandhamal is still unacceptable and more must be done for the improvement of their lives.

They also said that many were yet to be compensated for their loss, and despite many complaints, only a few have been convicted.

The delegation will submit its report to the German parliamentary committee on human rights situation in both Orissa and Gujarat.

The delegation had visited Gujarat to study the status of minorities and reportedly justified the European Union's earlier decision of not granting visa to Modi, for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

On Gujarat, the visiting Parliamentarians commented that ‘alienation’ of minorities in the state could cost dear as their country wanted to have good relations with India but not at the cost of human rights.