Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08KOLKATA285 | 2008-10-01 09:37:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Consulate Kolkata |
VZCZCXRO5865 PP RUEHAST RUEHBI RUEHLH RUEHPW DE RUEHCI #0285/01 2750937 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 010937Z OCT 08 FM AMCONSUL KOLKATA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2157 INFO RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHHJJPI/PACOM IDHS HONOLULU HI RUCNCLS/ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE RUEHCI/AMCONSUL KOLKATA 2636 |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KOLKATA 000285 |
1. (SBU) Summary: Stringent measures employed by government forces in Kandhamal District in Orissa to quell the recent communal violence have created a backlash, with attacks now focused on the police. In Meghalaya on September 29, former Deputy Prime Minister and BJP leader L.K. Advani for the first time condemned the violence against Christians and made assurances to local religious leaders. While sporadic attacks are still occurring against Christians in relief camps and elsewhere in Kandhamal, we see indications that the Maoist Naxalites are taking advantage of the chaotic situation by organizing Kandh tribals and police victims in protests against the government. End Summary. Kandhamal Violence Continues 2. (U) Five weeks after gunmen in Kandhamal district, Orissa, killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his associates, scattered incidents of violence continue. Due to pressure from the central government to restore law and order, police over the past month have arrested more than 200 Kandh tribals for involvement in the violence in Kandhamal. On September 16, the Orissa government decided to further strengthen security around police stations after a mob of approximately 500 tribals killed a constable and set fire to the Gochhapada police station. On September 13, two people were killed in the area of Tumudibandh, Kandhamal, after security personnel opened fire on a mob after they were fired upon for trying to disperse them. 3. (SBU) Tribal anger at the arrests also spilled over on September 23, when about 500 mostly female demonstrators came to the Raikia police station in Kandhamal and demanded the release of two tribals who had been arrested on charges of rioting. The crowd demanded that the government lift the curfew and prohibitory orders under Section 144 and immediately arrest the killers of Saraswati. The mob turned violent and attacked the police station and security personnel. The media reports that police initially tried to disperse the crowd using mild force and baton-charges, but when this was unsuccessful, the police fired on the crowd injuring two persons, killing one. Thirty-two others, including security personnel, were injured by the mob. 4. (SBU) On September 26, Poloff spoke with Orissa Deputy Secretary (Home), Mr. K.C. Sarangi, who claimed that 39 companies (each comprised of approximately 100 policemen) of the Central Reserve Police Forces are operational in Orissa. Of those, 26 companies are currently deployed in Kandhamal. Sarangi also confirmed that three companies of the Rapid Action Force are deployed in Kandhamal. 5. (SBU) According to press reports, on September 28 home-made bombs were thrown into Christian relief camps without any loss of life. Police officials claimed that the attacks were intended to create fear and panic. However, on September 30 Poloff spoke to a correspondent covering the violence in Rudayngi, Orissa, who claimed that the bombs were actually firecrackers which were thrown near the peripheries of the camps in an effort to scare the inhabitants. BJP Leader Advani Condemns Violence 6. (U) The press reported that while addressing a September 28 rally in the Christian-dominated state of Meghalaya, BJP prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani condemned for the first time the recent attacks against Christians in Orissa. Advani also assured the Archbishop of Shillong, Dominic Jala, that he would ask BJP-led states to ensure a cessation of religious attacks. Communal Violence with a Twist 7. (SBU) To illustrate the complex motives of religion, caste, ethnicity, property ownership and language that have combined to spur communal violence in Orissa, there have also been reports that members of the Pana caste, irrespective of their religion, were attacked by Kandhs during the latest wave of violence. The Panas' desire to convert to Christianity while retaining their caste identity for government set-asides bred resentment among the Kandhs and was used as one of the excuses for the latest violence (Refs A, D). However, Pana Hindus, who make up a significant portion of the population in some Pana villages, have also been attacked. Conversely, Christian tribal Kandhs have been left untouched by their fellow Hindu Kandhs. KOLKATA 00000285 002.2 OF 002 Are the Maoists now Involved? 8. (SBU) Press contacts covering the violence in Orissa have told Poloff that it appears that Maoist (aka Naxalite) extremists may be taking advantage of the communal conflict and government attempts to protect the Christian community to position themselves as champions of the downtrodden against all whom they perceive to be oppressors -- mainly, the government and the police. The same contacts also report that Maoists may have initiated a pre-recruitment campaign in Kandhamal. Maoists in western Orissa have strong influence in several tribal areas, including Kandhamal, which is one of the state's poorest tribal districts. Comment 9. (SBU) While the state government struggles to cope simultaneously with communal violence in western Orissa and floods in the eastern part, a new, complex trend in violence is emerging. What was initially projected as a solely religious conflict between Hindus and Christians is now drawing strength from differences of caste and tribe, and from economic resentments about reservations for jobs. Adding to this is a clear anti-establishment backlash against steps taken by the police. Given this mix, it does not appear that the violence will cease in the near future. The chaos will make the situation ripe for exploitation by the Maoists who prey on the grievances of the poorest and least educated groups in eastern India. PAYNE |