Photo courtesy Open Doors USA

Open Doors urges diplomatic action regarding India persecution

Open Doors USA and other Christian leaders are urging President Bush to take action against the escalating violence in Orissa, reports MNN.

Thousands are seeking protection in refugee camps, and Christian leaders are concerned with the number of people dying due to inadequate facilities, reports Compass News. A congressional resolution was recently introduced that calls on the Indian government to stop anti-Christian violence in Orissa and protect religious freedom for Indians of all faiths.

Open Doors encourages believers to call their representative and ask them to sign the resolution.

Anti-Christian violence in Orissa has left over 50,000 people homeless while claiming the lives of at least 500. Roughly 20,000 people are crammed into 14 relief camps, and conditions are deteriorating.

"There is an epidemic of malaria, and water-borne diseases are spreading rapidly," attorney B. D. Das told Compass News. "Public health is pathetic in refugee camps."

Excess people in refugee camps are forced to return to their homes, a local source told Compass. Rather than returning to their homes when the refugee camps are full, fearful believers flee to the forests; 50,000 believers are hiding in the jungles of Orissa.

"As their homes are burnt, a plastic tent along with 10 days food supply is given to them, and they are sent away," Das said. "Those in the relief camps are still better off as they at least have food."

As conditions worsen in refugee camps, violence continues to increase in its severity. A bounty has been placed on the heads of believers, and Compass reports 700 forced conversions to Hinduism since the violence started. Christians are forced to convert to Hinduism by burning Bibles and prayer books, drinking cow urine for Hindu purification, and shaving their heads. Compass also reported that a student group called for the conversions to honor the work of Hindu leader Laxmananada Saraswati, whose death started the persecution of Christians. Maoists later admitted to the August 23 murder, but Hindu extremists have persisted in blaming Christians.

Open Doors encourages believers to help stop the violence in Orissa by contacting their representative and requesting them to sign House Concurrent Resolution 434.

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TAGS: USA India Open Doors anti-Christian violence persecution diplomatic action

[11/26/2008]

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