Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 4 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 March 2004. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 March 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of inter-religious violence in Orissa India with reference to the treatment of evangelical Christians.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of inter-religious violence in Orissa India with reference to the treatment of evangelical Christians. [160126] Mr. Mike O'Brien: We remain concerned about violence against Christians that has taken place in Orissa. Our High Commission in New Delhi will continue to monitor the situation closely and the Indian authorities are well aware of our commitment to human rights, including the right to freedom of religion. We continue to urge the Indian authorities to ensure the right to freedom of religion is upheld, and that those responsible for attacks on religious minorities are brought to justice.

Secondary information