There is a strong need for inter faith understanding at each level beginning from village to the state and nation level for bringing peace and amity.

Participants in a day-long consultation on 2 January felt strongly as parts of the state are going through a period of violence and counter violence.

The "Odisha Shanti 'O' Sadbhabana Abhiyan" (OSSA) organized a consultation here preceded by a panel discussion by distinguished faith and spiritual leaders.

Dr. S.N. Suba Rao, eminent Gandhian and Sarvodaya Leader moderated the panel discussion.

Madhu Sudan Padhi, Special Administrator Kandhamal Affairs gave about details of the initiatives taken up by the State Government to bring peace in the riot-scarred tribal zone of the state.

Among others who joined in the consultation were Prof.Radhamohan, Chairman,OSSA, Dr. Bhagbanprakash, Co-Chairman,OSSA and Ashok Sahu, President, Hindu Jagarana Manch.

Dr. Swarupanda Patra, President,YMCA and the President of the Orissa Minority Forum,Mufti A Rehman Naqvi, Samir Ranjan Swain, Secretary Orissa Bahai Council and many leading civil society leaders presented their views on the issue.

And an apprehension widely being shared is that unless contend in time most parts of the state which, until now has an image of a peaceful state, are going to be deeply disturbed and divided.

Much of our resource time and energy limited as they are will be used to restore peace rather than ensure removal of poverty and unemployment.

A poor state will be made poorer still in the process, lamented the speakers.

Certainly this is not to our liking, said senior members of Civil Society.

The Day-long consultation was an eye opener, said Mr.Padhi, the Special Administrator, who has taken initiative for peace moves in the area.