14-member panel to meet on church issue

BERHAMPUR: A committee has been formed by the Kandhamal administration to look into the land dispute problem in Bakingia village under the communally sensitive Raikia block. The committee comprises 14 members, seven each from Hindu and Christian communities, and it would meet on Tuesday to discuss the issue.During the communal riots in 2008, a church in Bakingia was demolished by a group of people. Though the church authorities have been trying to rebuild it, the move is being opposed by the Hindu villagers.On Thursday, around 300 Hindu people gathered at the spot and placed a flag which was protested by the church authorities. The situation was brought under control following police intervention. On Friday, Baliguda Sub-Collector and Raikia BDO held a meeting between the two groups, but it remained inconclusive.Sources said the disputed land was used by Hindus as a place of worship. A portion of the land was donated to the Christians to build a church which was demolished in the 2008 riots. This portion was also officially recorded in the name of the church.  Now, the Christians’ move to reconstruct it is being protested by the Hindus as they fear the former would encroach upon the entire stretch of land.Meanwhile, armed police have been deployed in the area.