By IANS
New Delhi : The Maoists in Orissa are closely working with Christian organisations, but there is no evidence to suggest that the Maoists were involved in the recent communal violence in the state, a member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) said here Thursday.
“During our visit to Khandamal (where Christian establishments were destroyed in a communal riot on Christmas eve), we were informed that the Maoists were working with the Christian organizations in the area,” said Dileep Padgaonkar, member of the NCM.
Padgaonkar was on a visit to the riot-affected areas Jan 6-8 as part of an NCM fact-finding team.
“However, there was nothing to suggest that the Maoists were involved in the incident (communal riots),” he said.
The communal clash was a result of the long simmering conflict between Pana (Christian tribals) and Kui tribals.
The Panas have been demanding reservation under the Scheduled Tribes category, which Kuis have has been opposing.
Another important factor, according to the commission, was the anti-conversion campaign conducted by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Sangh Parivar for the last few years.
According to intelligence reports, the Maoists have been active in the tribal belt of Orissa and have also recruited tribals as their cadre. However, this is the first time that the working in tandem of Maoists and Christian organizations has come to light.
The NCM member did not state the extent and manner in which Maoists and Christian organizations were co-ordinating.