Situation is bad in Kandhamal: Sister Nirmala

The Missionaries of Charity has been assured by the Orissa government of strong measures being taken in troubled Kandhamal district, its Superior General, Sister Nirmala said on Tuesday.

"The situation is not good at all, but the state government has started taking strong measures," Sister Nirmala told media persons after meeting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

She hoped that the state administration would continue to work to contain the violence.

During her talks with the Chief Minister, she said, they talked about the need for return of peace in tribal-dominated Kandhamal district.

The violence there has claimed at least 35 lives and houses and churches were burnt after the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others on the night of August 23.

Asked whether she had faith in the Orissa government, Sister Nirmala said, "I have faith. Having faith encourages one to do good work."

On the allegations by some Hindu organisations that Christians had engineered the attack on Saraswati, Sister Nirmala said it was the work of the police to find the truth.

"That is for the police in Orissa to ascertain. Truth must prevail," she said.

The nun who was allegedly gang raped during the Orissa bandh on August 25 and was missing would return to the state if there was a 'proper' atmosphere, she replied to a query on the issue.