Saffron flags protect Christian homes in Kandhamal

Saffron flags flutter atop houses on both sides of the roads linking this village to Raikia and Baliguda blocks in Kandhamal district, seven months after the riots targetting Christians.

Banners proclaiming the celebration of 'Hindu Nava Barsa' and 'Panchu Danda Samabesh' (a local tribal festival) are in evidence some yards from the Divya Jyoti Pastoral Centre here, a visiting PTI correspondent found.

Divya Jyoti Pastoral Centre was the place where Catholic priest Thomas Chelan and a nun lived for years.

A mob had attacked it during Orissa Bandh on August 25 last year, two days after killing of the VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his associates. The mob had assaulted the priest and allegedly raped the nun.

The Pastoral Centre is locked now and a caretaker looks after it.

Seven months have passed since this tribal dominated district was hit by the  worst-ever communal violence which claimed at least 43 lives.

The saffron flags on houses are to be seen in plenty as one drives from the district headquarters town of Phulbani to interior areas.

In some villages, Hindus have placed the saffron flags on the houses of their Christian neighbours for their protection, while at some places Christians themselves put them out of fear, villagers confided to this correspondent.

"We cannot remove these flags. These saffron flags are a 'rakshya kabach (safeguard) for our houses and property, said Sita Mallick of Raika area. A crucifix around her neck proclaims her religion.

"Praying to my god under the saffron flag does not mean I have changed my faith," the 45-year-old woman says.

Like Sita many prefer not to remove the flags from their houses.

"Who will protect our houses? Can the police guard all our houses?" asked another staying at a the relief camp here.

The local Sangh Parivar leaders do not mind the sprouting of saffron besides the roads.

"What is wrong if saffron flags fly on every house in Kandhamal?" asks a local youth saying that no one was being forced to reconvert.

"Controlling the situation and protecting the life of people is on top of the agenda of the police," said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar.

"The situation has been peaceful for over five months now."