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A mob damaged a church and set some Christian homes ablaze shattering the government's claims that all is under control in Kandhmal. Even the house of the sarpanch who's a Dalit Christian wasn't spared. Tribals claim the sarpanch grabbed the post by producing a fake scheduled caste certificate. Security forces fired at the mob. Four people were killed and many more were injured. But the tribal leaders say the anger among people isn't without reason. “The tribals have a point. Post of sarpanch is meant for the tribals of Kandhmal. Why should sarpanch be a Pano Christian?” said Orissa Adivasi Sangh leader Lambodar Kanhar. The government concedes tribals are angry because of a sense of neglect and deprivation. But the tribal action has a communal undercurrent complicating things in Kandhmal. And though the huge security presence has ensured violence has been largely controlled the deep-seated hatred and anger makes Kandhmal a communal tinderbox. (Source: NDTV.com, September 15, 2008) . |
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