We love you to hate us, CM Patnaik

Lots of flower on Patnaik’s Brthday! And he deserves it. The birthday greeting for the Chief Minister of State of Orissa in India is going to be somehow special this year. Christian community all across India have decided to give him floral greetings on his birthday.

Orissa state has been raked by anti-Christian violence for past so many weeks now, with the state government being little more than a mute spectator. Around 100 people have lost their lives and more than 1000 people have left their village and taking shelter elsewhere. The terror and fear factor of Hindu fundamentalist organization Bajarang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is still prevailing.

It is well known that one of the leaders of the VHP was murdered along 4 of his associate by the Naxalite and the Christian community is targeted for that retaliation. Many churches have been burnt and life and property of the minority community damaged. People in the affected area, are still living under the shadow of fear. State government has totally failed to curb the violence and punish the offenders.

However, emails are going round by various Christian people exhorting everyone to join in the ‘birthday celebration’ of CM Patnaik’s 62^nd birthday which is on October 16. “Since we love those who hate us, please do not fail to send him special birthday greetings from the Christian community, especially from those who are impressed by his efforts to uphold the honour of women and enforce the rule of law in this state,” exhorts the email.

Violence and murder of innocent people is a national shame. State has a prime responsibility to protect the life and dignity of all its citizens irrespective of caste, creed, class and religion. Failure on this account cannot be excused in any way in a democratic country where every citizen has right to be protected irrespective of their personal identity. It is reasonable to protest on the failure of the govt. Yet, the silent and respectful way is the one being adopted by Christians in the country.