EU team meets Orissa home secretary on Kandhamal

14 Dec 2008, 0050 hrs IST, TNN

BHUBANESWAR: In an apparent follow-up to French President Nicolas Sarkozy eliciting a "national shame'' response in October from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the Kandhamal violence, a five-member delegation from theEuropean Union has asked the Orissa government to ensure a peaceful Christmas in the riot-ridden region.  This came even as the Centre advised the ruling BJD-BJP coalition to remain alert considering the saffron brigade's announcement to organize a statewide bandh on December 25.  The diplomats met home secretary Aditya Padhi and DGP Manmohan Praharaj on Friday and expressed their concern and fears over possible re-escalation of tension between communities during Nativity. "The delegation had taken prior clearance from the ministry of external affairs to visit Bhubaneswar and Berhampur,'' an official said.  The visitors comprised deputy head of mission (embassy of Ireland) Pat Bourne, second secretary (embassy of the Netherlands) Bart Paans, second secretary (British high commission) Ruth Willis, deputy head of mission (embassy of Finland) Lissa Valjento and first secretary (embassy of Italy) Gabriele Annis.  "The delegation laid stress on the prevention of forcible reconversion activities, people returning to their villages, restoration of peace and normalcy in Kandhamal and smooth celebration of Christmas,'' a senior official said. "The government representatives highlighted the steps they have taken so far and assured that they would do all to ensure peace in the trouble-torn district,'' he added.  The home secretary told TOI: "The state government is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring harmonious coexistence of all communities.'' The visit of the envoys coincided with a letter from Union home secretary to the state chief secretary, advising the latter to take adequate measures to prevent recurrence of any untoward incident in Kandhamal during Christmas.  more