Phulbani:25/December/2008

"All is well in Kandhamal", said Madhu Sudan Padhi.

The Special Administrator for Kandhamal Affairs expressed satisfaction over the peaceful celebration of Mid Night Mass in the riot-hit zone of Orissa here on 25 December.

Thousands of Christians in troubled Kandhamal and elsewhere in Orissa held a 'peaceful' celebration of Christmas amidst tight security across the state.

"Every thing has gone right.

There was absolutely no problem reported any where in Kandhamal," said Mr.Padhi, adding that the entire administration was on its toes last night and ensured a peaceful Christmas.

Mr.Padhi said many churches were provided with security cover even as villagers held mass prayers last night in their respective places of worship.

'Not a single incident has been reported,' the Special Administrator said.

the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Diocese Rahpheal Cheenath told, 'It was a trouble free Mid Night Mass. 

All of us offered prayers at churches and other places of worship without any difficulty.

The arrangement made by the state government was satisfactory", he added.

Twin City Police Commissioner Bijaya Kumar Sharma expressed his satisfaction over full proof security arrangements in various parts of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

The Archbishop said that he had received reports from bishops of other dioceses with regard to holding of peaceful midnight prayers.

"The people in eight relief camps performed their ritual church practice without any trouble.

There were prayers, singing and dancing in Kandhamal and elsewhere,' the Archbishop said, adding that the people who could not perform midnight mass would hold the practice during the day.

Echoing the satisfaction over security arrangements in Kandhamal Fr.Paul Raj, Chief of Sadhan, the largest orphanage in the district said that children celebrating Christmas happily due to proper security.

Fr.Raj lauded constant patrolling of CRPF, OSAP and RAF, which instilled confidence among the people of the district.

Sadhan houses more than 270 children and all of them celebrated Christmas merrily.