PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN ORISSA STATE

That this House condemns the violent persecution of Christians in Orissa State, India; and calls for the immediate ending of this religious persecution and for the Government to press the Indian authorities to ensure the safety and religious freedom of Christians throughout India to ensure that the perpetrators are tried and that justice is done on behalf of the victims, to urge that this should include a witness protection programme; and to further call upon the Indian authorities to give priority to the continued protection of the Christian minority and to restoring peace and promoting reconciliation, so that Hindus, Christians and all other religious minorities can live once again in a culture of tolerance and respect.