To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to assist the Indian Government in implementing witness protection programmes for Christians in Orissa. (285353)

We have no plans to discuss with the Indian Government the protection of Christians called as witnesses in trials relating to the recent violence in Orissa.

The EU maintains a constructive dialogue with the Indian authorities about human rights and minority rights issues, which includes the situation in Orissa and its neighbouring states following the violence in 2008. Officials from our high commission have an active part in these discussions.