Document
Dr Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
Delhi
Geneva, 4 September 2008
Your Excellency,
The World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation have been monitoring with deep concern the situation in the State of Orissa, in India. We have been told by our member churches in India that the indiscriminate killing, burning of church buildings and destruction of institutions continues in Gajapati and Khandamal districts and other parts of the state. We are aware that it is the most vulnerable sections of the population who are worst affected by the violence.
India is a country with a long heritage of harmony and peace and has enshrined into its constitution religious freedoms as well as commitments to uphold the rights and dignity of all its citizens.
We therefore appeal to you to use your good office to intervene in this situation so as to ensure an immediate cessation of violence, the restoration of law and justice, and sanctuary for the displaced. We request you to also ensure more long term support to the communities most affected so that they can reconstruct their lives.
We pray for your great country and its people, especially for the people of the State of Orissa.
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Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia |
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Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko |
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General Secretary |
General Secretary |
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World Council of Churches |
Lutheran World Federation |
