By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said he would lead a delegation of eminent persons from all minority communities to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon to demand a CBI probe into the recent incidents in Orissa.
The minister, after meeting a delegation of prominent Christian leaders, on Saturday described the violence against the community members as an attack on the basic tenets of the constitution and demanded that leaders of “terror” should be arrested without any further delay.
Alleging that law and order machinery has totally failed in the BJD-BJP ruled state, Paswan assured the delegation that he will see to it that the “naked dance of communalism” is stopped and the law of the land is implemented there.
Earlier, the delegation in its meeting with Paswan alleged that Christians returning to their homes are being caught and lynched by VHP and Bajrang Dal cadres in Orissa and several of them have been forcibly reconverted.
Alleging complete breakdown of law and order in the state, the leaders expressed serious concern over the attacks on the community members.
They also accused the state government of adopting an attitude of apathy towards Christians languishing in relief camps and said that the camps are overcrowded and lack even basic facilities.
Accusing the Orissa government of “distorting truth”, the delegation said, “one story after another is being circulated regarding the murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda even after Maoists have claimed responsibility for the act.” The delegation comprised Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, Archbishop of Bhubaneshwar, Archbishop Vincent M Concessao and Archbishop of Delhi.