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Murder of Catholic fuel Christmas violence fears in Orissa

Fears are continuing to escalate in Orissa state, India, over the possibility of further anti-Christian violence taking place on Christmas Day, reports Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries.

According to the UK-based human rights group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the fears largely centre around the aggressive promotion of a state-wide bandh (shut-down) on December 25 which is being pursued by the local Hindu nationalist group, Swami Lakhmananda Saraswati Sradhanjali Samiti (SLSSS).

“However further evidence has emerged in Kandhamal district, the epicenter of recent violence, where a Christian villager yesterday (Wednesday, December 17) reported witnessing several men armed with AK-47 rifles in discussion with others thought to be linked with Hindu extremist organizations,” said CSW spokesperson. “In addition a Catholic catechist Jubaraj Digal was today found dead, after his son reported on Tuesday that he had been apprehended and attacked by a mob.”

Meanwhile, a debate was held today (Thursday, December 18, 2008) in the British House of Lords, in which peers drew attention to the ongoing threat of religious extremism in India. Speaking in the debate, Baroness Cox, CEO of HART, who recently returned from the region, described the violence in Orissa as “religious cleansing” stemming from a sustained hate campaign against Christians.

CSW’s Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, said, “This debate was extremely timely in highlighting the seriousness and extent of religious extremism in India, and nowhere more so than in Orissa. The call for a bandh has ratcheted up the tension and provoked new fear among Christians across Orissa and indignation across India among those committed to a secular, pluralist society. The events of the next week will demonstrate the mettle of the Indian government and its ability to protect its religious minorities.”

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TAGS: India Orissa anti-Christian violence violence Hindu nationalist group Christmas persecution

[12/20/2008]

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