To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of allegations that (a) the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and (b) the Rashtriya Swayamsesak Sangh are linked to the campaign of violence against Christians in Orissa; and if he will make a statement. (243226)

The Government are aware of reports that individuals from these organisations were involved in the recent violence in Orissa State. We are not in a position to verify this credibility. It is for the government of India and the relevant state authorities to investigate any such links and take appropriate action.