ASIA/INDIA - “People's Manifesto” in Orissa, for upcoming elections

Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) – Parliamentary elections are just around the corner: April 16 to May 13 2009 in various Indian states. But for the people of Orissa, these are not just any elections. The bloodshed that took place in 2008 in the Christian community in Kandhamal and in other districts of the state have brought up questions as to the rights of all citizens, especially the tribal peoples, the adivasi, dalit, and other marginalized communities.
That is why, thanks to the assistance and intervention of the Christian community, they have issued a “People's Manifesto” in which they call for respect for their Constitutional rights which have been denied them.
The Manifesto will be presented in the days to come in various seminaries, conferences, and public debates organized in the state of Orissa, to spread awareness among the people on issues that concern them all, as they have to do with the nature of India as a democratic nation.
The document explains that anger and fear are seen in the communities of tribal people, adivasi, and dalit in Orissa, who have been subject to pressures from Hindu fundamentalists, with their “hindutva” ideology that preaches “one nation, one culture, one religion,” excluding and discriminating all other minorities.
That is why the Manifesto, articulated in thirteen points, calls for: Protect life, security and property; Guarantee Social Justice; Strengthen Self Governance and people’s participation in decision making; Advance and strengthen Gender justice; Promote access to quality and affordable education; Promote quality health for all; Guarantee employment and expand livelihood opportunities; Enact legislation to ensure land rights of Adivasis and Dalits; Ensure just and proper Relief and Rehabilitation of the victims of violence; Maintain Human rights standards in the camps; Ensure Justice, Peace and harmony; Protect and promote the Rights and welfare of the minorities; Promote secularism by ensuring Freedom of Religion.
The Christian participation in India, in anticipation for the elections, especially for the protection og the weakest, is evident in the various appeals and documents that they have published in recent weeks. The Indian Bishops have also made an appeal to voters, asking each citizen to “carry out his responsibility with their vote,” confirming their support for a democratic, pluralistic system – one that has characterized the history of the Indian nation (see Fides 2/3/2009). The elections are an opportunity to reaffirm “economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil rights,” said another Manifesto issued by the Jesuits in defense of the marginalized groups (see Fides 12/3/2009). (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/3/2009)