NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- A national fact finding team of six led by Dr. John Dayal, Secretary General of All India Christian Council, Member of National Integration Council and President of All India Catholic Union, has reached Balliguda in Orissa to find out more about the violence that has been taking place there against Christians.

The instant report of the fact finding team in Balliguda that has been sent to All India Christian Council says that six dead bodies have so far been recovered, and 400 Christian homes and 60 churches have been burnt down.

“Young and healthy Christians have left their villages to flee for their lives, children, women, old and sick, who could not flee for their lives, are in great danger,” says Dr. Dayal.

“Those who are left, have been starving for last four days, and the sick are suffering without medical attention.”

A victim told the team, “They are forced to convert to Hinduism if they are to get food, medical attention and shelter.”

Assurance given by state government and Union Home minister has not affected the victims and villages from the violence caused by the Hindutva Fundamentalists.

“The fundamental rights provided by Indian Constitution to provide security protection has failed to reach the minority Christians in the state of Orissa,” says, Dr. Dayal. “State security forces have been at the hands of guns and fundamentalists. No complaints from victims and Christian communities have been filed by the local police.”

A Memorandum has been submitted to Justice Shri Rajendra Babu, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission and Christian delegation will meet him on December 31, 2007 at 12:30 noon, to setup a special enquiry into the violence.

Earlier today, a delegation representing millions of Indian Christians met Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India to act immediately to protect the Christians in the state and villagers to return back to their homes and villages.

The All India Christian Council, birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The AICC is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.