Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) - To kick start negotiations, "the government of Orissa should make the first move, perhaps releasing some rebel prisoners, as it did in other cases, in the past": is the position of the Catholic Church in the state of Orissa, expressed in an interview with Fides by Fr. Santosh Digal, in the district of Kandhamal, where in past days the two Italians Paolo Bosusco and Francesco Colangelo were kidnapped. The priest – sent by the Archbishop of the diocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar to explore the possibility of mediation – confirms to Fides that the rebels have offered the release of one of the two hostages in exchange for the release of five guerrillas, and says: "It is the step that can start a real negotiation. On our behalf we are in favor, hoping for a rapid solution of the case. As representatives of the Catholic Church and as social workers we are here, available to offer our contribution to dialogue between the parties and for the common good, if the protagonists (the government and rebels) ask to involve a third party, as a tool of mediation".
The priest says he is "optimistic for a successful outcome of the story," reassuring the families of the two Italians that "they will not be hurt " and expresses the closeness of the Catholic Church to the families of the two kidnapped. The delicate affair, he explains, "brings attention to the tribal people of Orissa, abandoned and marginalized by the institutions, victims of land dispossession, abuse and exploitation", all of which "encourage the rebellion". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/3/2012)
