National Minorities Commission Seeks Probe Into Attack on Christians in Odisha's Malkangiri District

New Delhi, July 1, 2025: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has directed the Chief Secretary of the Odisha state government to conduct an investigation into the violent attack on Christians in Kotamateru, a village in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, which occurred on June 21. The Commission has asked for a detailed report of the investigation to be submitted to it within 21 days.

The Commission's directive came in response to a formal representation submitted to it by Mr. A.C. Michael, National Coordinator of the United Christian Forum (UCF).

It may be recalled that a mob of around 400 individuals from neighbouring villages violently attacked the Christian residents of Kotamateru village on the morning of June 21. More than 30 people were injured in the attack, with at least 20 sustaining grievous injuries.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Mr. A.C. Michael stated that the representation submitted to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) included several demands.

"In the representation, we have demanded the immediate arrest of individuals who perpetrated the violence and who have been identified as such and urged that they be booked under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023,” Mr. Michael said.

“These sections include Section 109 – Attempt to commit murder, given that over 20 individuals sustained grievous injuries, and Sections 299 and 300 – Acts committed with deliberate and malicious intent to outrage religious feelings and disturb a religious assembly,” he added.

The UCF representation also called for disciplinary action against local police officials who failed in their duty to prevent the violence, as well as compensation for the victims.

The representation further urged the Odisha government to establish a permanent police presence in Kotamateru village and other areas vulnerable to such violence in order to prevent future incidents of communal unrest.

Although the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is currently operating without appointed members, Mr. Michael noted that the NCM’s secretariat is actively pursuing the matter. “The secretaries and joint secretaries at the NCM are continuing to take action, and we’re grateful for that,” he told Catholic Connect.

Following the directive issued by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), the Odisha government is now required to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident of violence that occurred on June 21 in Kotamateru village. This investigation must be carried out in coordination with the state police and all other relevant government departments.

The report of the investigation should provide a detailed account of the actions taken or proposed by the state government against those responsible for the violence, along with a comprehensive overview of the nature and extent of support extended to the victims.

After reviewing the report, the NCM will meet with UCF representatives to discuss their complaints and recommendations. “If we find the government’s response inadequate, we provide additional feedback,” said Mr. Michael. “Based on our inputs, the NCM can press the state to take further steps—whether it’s compensation, arrests, or policy interventions,” he added.

By Catholic Connect Reporter