The Utkal Christian Council observed Kandhamal Day on 25 August to mark the sixth year anniversary of communal violence in Kandhamal in Orissa State of India in Berhampur, Ganjam going round the town on a Sadbhavna Padayatra. The Kandhamal communal violence claimed an estimated 100 lives, displacing around 56,000 people and saw the destruction of 295 churches and worship places. Bodies of those who were killed were not claimed; no one was there to offer prayer or bury the body.
Lalaji Nayak of Kotagada village was among a few wounded persons who were brought to Berhampur medical college hospital. Lalji Nayak, 65, was an active member of Phulbani Diocese and a social worker. His throat was slit and he succumbed to death. He was buried in the graveyard of CNI Church, Berhampur.
The padayatra came to the grave yard and there near the martyr's Tomb, prayer was offered remembering the people who lay down their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. People remembered Kandhamal with the hope that God will intervene for people who still have not got justice, and for God's mercy that such communal violence should not be repeated in the future.
In addition to this, on 16th august the Utkal Christian Council had urged everyone to join in prayer for Kandhamal and wherever the scars of this violence continue to plague Christians in the State as they endeavour to rebuild their lives. The prayer summit at Happy valley, G Udaygiri was conducted by Prayer worrier Brother Ajay Kumar Behera.
Rt. Rev. Samson Das, the Bishop of Cuttack Diocese led the prayer event in Kankbadi Church, Diocese of Phulbani.
In all churches and Christian Institutions prayer meeting was held on 16th August.
Jyotsna Patro
Secretary UCC
