Imphal, August 29: In denunciation of the continued violence perpetrated against Christians and missionary institutions in Kandhamal district of Orissa by communal elements educational institutions in the State administered by the Catholic Church today ceased academic activities.

In connection with the violent incidents in Orissa a meeting of Christian religious leaders have been convened at Bishop House, mantripukhri tomorrow.

Interacting with newspersons at the Bishop House today, Archbishop Dominic Lumon maintained that as a show of solidarity to the suffering of people belonging to the Christian community in Orissa, particularly in Kandhamal district educational institutions of Manipur run by Christian/Catholic charitable trusts will remain closed for the day.

Moreover, on September 7 fasting and prayers would be observed to express solidarity to fellow Christians of Orissa against whom atrocities are being committed unabated and to promote communal harmony, the Archbishop informed.

He also conveyed that during the course of the religious leaders' meeting at Bishop House tomorrow a resolution calling for immediate halt to the violent activities would be adopted which would also be handed over to authorities concerned for initiation of appropriate measures/action.

At the meeting religious leaders would deliberate for finalisation for taking out peace rally, launch signature campaign at mission schools as well as decide on staging protests, Archbishop Dominic said.

A visibly disturbed Dominic also highlighted that individuals professing, following and practising Christianity are neither aliens nor foreigners but 'very much the sons and daughters of this soil/land'.

He also pointed out that fanatical elements in Orissa have been targeting Churches, orphanages, hostels of children, schools, houses and vehicles belonging to the Christian community.

Recounting the turn of events currently besieging pockets of Kandhamal district, the Archbishop said that after the murder of VHP leader lakshmananda Saraswati and five others by activists suspected to be Maoists the Christian community are being wrongfully accused and targeted.

It is informed that among others 249 houses, four convents, five hostels and seven socio-economic development centres have been destroyed/damaged in addition to 13 deaths.

further conveying that Christians in Orissa State are living under constant fear and anxiety, with many fleeing their homes and staying in forest areas, the Archbishop expressed strong concerned that the State Government and law enforcing agencies had been unable to contain the situation.

Closure of educational institutions observed today is said to be in consonant with an intimation from the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of India Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil to extend solidarity with the victims of Orissa violence with same intimation also calling for fasting and praying on September 7 .

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