Coimbatore, Dec 20 : An orphanage in Coimbatore adopted about 161 children, who are the victims of communal carnage in Kandhamal district Orissa.

Most of the victims who had arrived here had lost their houses, property and are without any means of livelihood. Many of the victims have not got over the trauma and some are still living with the fear that they would be killed.

"I have lost everything. I have nothing and anyhow we went to the relief camp. From there we have brought here," said Sambit Naik, a victim.

Recollecting the horror experience, Jerusha, a victim said, "God has saved us and god wants his children to live with peace and happiness. We pray to god for the people of Orissa because he can only save us."

These children who are in the orphanage home will be taken care of until they complete their studies.

"We have a total of 161 children living here. One month before 40 children came. We have three different groups now. They have come from different villages of Orissa where their houses and parents were burnt alive. It is all a sad story," said P. P. Michael, founder of the Orphanage Home.

Violence in Kandhamal erupted after Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his associates were killed under mysterious circumstances. Hindus blamed the attack on Christians. (ANI)