The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep shock and outrage at the burning to death of an Australian priest and his two young sons in Orissa. This inhuman crime, committed by one of the outfits of the RSS combine, the Bajrang Dal, is a direct outcome of the systematic hate campaign spread against Christian ...

This gruesome attack is not an isolated event ... The Vajpayee Government cannot pretend that what is happening in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa and other places are some sporadic incidents ... The RSS outfits ... working in the tribal belt under different names must be proscribed by the state government. The leaders of the organisations responsible for the inflammatory propaganda against the Christians must be prosecuted. Full security should be provided to all Christian priests and communities who are subject to threats and intimidation.

Joint Statement On Anti-Christian Attack in Orissa

We are appalled at the senseless killing of a Christian missionary and his two innocent children (in) Orissa. We condemn this heinous crime and greatly regret that it has been perpetrated apparently in the name of Hinduism.

This is an alarming turn of events, and it marks a quantum leap in the communalization of our country. It is obvious that, but for the immunity from consequences that communal forces enjoy at present, they would not have ventured to proceed from vandalism to murder ... The Prime Minister (has) chosen only to call for a debate on conversions. The tragedy in Orissa is an eloquent proof that the climate for debate needs to be created by establishing the rule of law, which is under siege at present.

We call upon the Union Government to initiate swift and decisive steps to bring the criminals to justice so that further communal adventurism is not attempted at the expense of the image and integrity of this country. We urge the leaders of the Hindu community to come out in vehement condemnation of atrocities perpetrated in the name of this great faith.

We appeal to the people of India to denounce and discourage the criminalization of our culture and public life. We pray that as a people we would uphold justice, compassion and truth and build together a nation of righteousness.