VIDEO: A Cry for the Burning Orissa

A Cry for Orissa

A video raising a cry for Orissa. Contributed by an "Orissa Burning" reader.

"'Father They Are Going to Burn Me": Rajni's Last Words

Rajni' Death is a Deep Wound in my Heart

Fr. Edward, Survivor of Arson in Orissa Recalls How Rajni Was Burnt to Death

Fr. Edward Sequeira SVD

Fr Edward Sequeira, one of the victims of the violence committed by Hindu radicals in Orissa, does not hesitate to call them "terrorists". Groups connected to Sangh Parivar seized him, beat him for more than an hour, and then shut him inside a room that they set on fire. Fr Edward was able to save himself by taking shelter in the bathroom. Before he passed out, he heard the screams of Rajni Majh, who was tied up and thrown into the flames, where she was burned to death.

Initial reports said that she was a sister, then a lay missionary. Fr Edward explains that the girl was one of the many orphans he had rescued, and that she lived and worked in the orphanage he had founded.

Fr Edward is unable to hold back the tears, and begins sobbing when he talks about her. The crowd of fanatics may have thought that Rajni was one of the many people they believe have been forced to convert through "Christian proselytism". "'She was only a simple Hindu girl", the priest says, "studying in the plus 3 class. I can still hear her voice, 'Father they are going to burn me', these were her last words to me, after this I lost consciousness". Her death "is a deep wound in my heart".

Hindu fundamentalists have long been conducting a campaign against conversions to Christianity, and against evangelization. For Fr Edward, 58, missionary activity is something that upholds the dignity of the person. He spoke to Asianews:

"I have been working among lepers in Padampur in Bargarh district for the past ten years. I realized that, given the preference for a male child in rural Indian communities, parents many times have more than 4-5 daughters before a son is born - and unfortunately, these girls are rarely sent to school, they are made to graze cattle or even sent at early age as domestic workers or to the landlords, and many girls suffer from malnutrition.

"So I started a very small hostel-orphanage for girls, to give them opportunity and dignity through education and vocational training.

"One such girl in my orphanage was Rajni Majhi, who was born to Hindu parents who already had 5 or 6 daughters, and they gave her up for adoption to a Hindu tribal childless couple. Sadly, when the adopted parents after a few years conceived biological children, they began ill-treating and discriminating against Rajni, and in this reality she came to my orphanage four years ago. Within a few months, she was bubbling with life, the younger girls called her “Nanni’ (big sister), and besides studying in college in her 13th year, Rajni would be like a governess to the children.

"All the development programmes for these leprosy patients and the other dalits have all been for Hindus. More than 25 years I have worked in Orissa, and not a single person have I converted to Christianity".

Hatred of Christianity and personal development is what drives radical Hindu groups to try to wipe out the presence of Christians and their institutions. "Who says that terrorists are only those who plant bombs and carry guns? This was a terrorist attack on Orissa. What about these Sangh Parivar members, who have been given the license to kill, destroy and plunder their fellow citizens? This was sheer terrorism unleashed on the Christians in Kandhmal district".

Fr Edward explains what happened to him: "On Monday August 25th, around 1.30 pm, as I was having lunch, there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, a huge crowd of more than 500 people were outside and asked 'Who is the priest?'. This is nothing strange, as often people come requesting my help, for my vehicle to drive them to a hospital or other such emergencies. As soon as I identified myself, they raised their arms holding all the weapons - axes, shovels, spades and iron rods.They took me outside in the courtyard and began hitting me, screaming abuses at Christianity and shouting 'Bajrang Bali Ki Jai; Yesu Christi Murdabada; Hail Lord Hanuman (editor's note: a Hindu god with the face of a monkey), destroy, eliminate Jesus Christ', beating me on my head, back, all over my body.

"The extremists thrashed me for nearly an hour (editor's note: Fr Edward still has bruises all over his body, and five wounds on his back).

"Then they entered my room, collected all the clothes and books and whatever they laid their hands on and piled it in the centre of the room, threw some kerosene on the pile, and some crude oil, and threw some gelatine sticks which they had brought with them and lit the fire and threw me into the flames and locked the door from the outside.

"Somehow, I was not frightened, there was definitely the divine presence in the burning room, and I went into the bathroom and locked myself in and shut all the windows. The whole room was engulfed in thick smoke and flames.

"The attackers were shouting Bajrang Bali Ki Jai; Yesu Christi Murdabada, and hurling abuses. They went to the garage and burned the vehicle, I could hear some of them on the roof setting fire from the top. Thick smoke was in the bathroom, where I was hiding, it was dark and full of thick smoke, and as I inhaled the smoke my only concern was for the children.

Rajni Majhi Who Was Thrown into the Fire by the Mob

"In the meanwhile, the children and Rajni, who witnessed the mob assaulting me, took the children inside their own orphanage room which is next to mine and bolted the door from the inside. The men who had climbed onto the roof entered the room and dragged Rajni outside with the children - some of the children escaped. They brought her outside my bathroom window. I could hear the cries of Rajni, and the mob was cheering and shouting through the window. These criminals tied her hands together - they made a huge bonfire in the orphanage room and threw her onto the fire. They used sickles, shovels and other weapons to prevent her from running away, these extremists did not allow her to even move from the burning flames".

See Separate Story: How 20 Year Old Rajni Was Burnt to Death by a Cheering Mob

Christian Schools Face Trouble Over Protest

Christian Schools Face Trouble For Closing To Protest Orissa Violence

Some Church institutions have incurred right-wing Hindu groups' wrath for closing to protest anti-Christian violence in Orissa, eastern India.

According to UCA News:

On the Christian protest day, Hindu radical groups demonstrated in front of a Catholic church of Gwalior diocese, in Madhya Pradesh state, central India. They also demonstrated in front of four Christian schools in Gwalior town, 320 kilometers south of New Delhi.

On the same day, the government of Karnataka announced its decision to take action against Christian schools in that southern state for closing without prior permission.

In Karnataka, the the BJP led state government issued notices to the managements of the schools and colleges that were closed on Friday.

According to the sources in the education ministry the letter asked the institutions to explain the "holiday" on Friday. The strong worded letter has also reminded that the institutions also get government funding to run the institutions and the government can withdraw the funding should it find that the conduct of the college was found lacking in any way.

Here's an English translation of the Kannada notice in which the State Government threatened to shut Christian Institutions on the basis of a VHP petition:

Office of the Deputy Director
Public Education Department
Shimoga

No. J/53/2007-08 Dated: 29-08-2008

SHOW CAUSE NOTICE

Ref :- On the basis of the protest by Vishwa Hindu Parishat (World Hindu Council) petition of District coordinator)

You announced a holiday on the 29th August to your institution. It is your duty to obtain the permission of the Education Department before announcing any holiday other than the ones permitted by the Department. By failing to follow this norm and announcing the holiday unilaterally and suddenly, you have caused disruption the academic process of the students.

Religious / Communal causes cannot be the cause for announcing to holiday. By doing so you have hurt the religious sentiments of other communities and disturbed the communal harmony of society.

The VHP/Bajarag Dal have conducted a protest against the closure of schools on the 29th August, and criticized your action. The have submitted letters requesting action against you for this. In this context you are asked to show cause why action should not be taken against you for using religion as an excuse, and announcing a holiday, and as to why the permission to run your school should not be withdrawn. You are asked to submit a written reply on or before 2nd September 2009 to this office, failing which it will be assumed you have nothing to say and action will be taken as per the rules.

Sd/-
Deputy Director of Public Education
Shimoga

Mother Teresa's Successor Appeals for Peace

Sr. Nirmala Joshi: Let Us Put Down the Weapons of Violence; Religion is a Work of Peace

Ahead of the feast of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, on September 5, the Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity, Sr. Nirmala Joshi MC, appeals through Asianews to all Indians to break the chain of violence taking place in Orissa.

Here is the complete text of Sr Nirmala's appeal:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Orissa and all over India,

Let us not forget our true identity as the beloved children of God our Father. We are brothers and sisters of one another no matter what our religion, race, culture or language is, whether we are rich or poor. Nothing should separate us.

Above all, let us not use religion to divide us. Essence of all religion is love - love of God and love of one another. Violence on the ground of religion is an abuse of religion.

"Religion is meant to be a work of love. It is not meant to destroy peace and unity. Works of love are works of peace. Let us use religion to become one heart full of love in the heart of God". (Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta).

Dear Brothers and Sisters, in the name of God and in the name of our own humanity, created for greater things, to love and to be loved eternally, and in the name of our country and its noble heritage, and in the name of the poor, the children, and all our suffering brothers and sisters who are victims of this senseless violence and destruction, I make this appeal: let us pray, opening our mind and heart to the light and love of God. Let us put down the weapon of hatred and violence and put on the armor of love. Let us forgive one another and ask forgiveness from one another for the wrong we have done to each other and reach out in love to each other.

Let us pray for the repose of the souls of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati and his four associates and all our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives during this violence. Let us pray for each other and ask our Mother, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to pray for us so that we may become channels of God's own peace, love and joy to one another and builders of the civilization of love!

God bless you,

Sr. M. Nirmala, M.C.
Superior General

An e-Tshirt for Orissa

From a circulating email:

In Karwar, 5000 Catholics Join Silent Protest Rally

5,000 Catholics from the South Indian Diocese of Karwar Take Part in a Silent Protest Rally

Bishop Derek Fernandes Submits a Memorandum

5,000 Catholics led by Bishop Derek Fernandes of Karwar in silent procession.

A protest rally was organized by the Catholics of Karwar on Monday, September 01, 2008 at St. Joseph's school grounds, Kajubag, Karwar. About 5000 Catholics from the parishes in Karwar taluk gathered at the school grounds at 10:30 a.m. and proceeded in silent procession through the main streets of Karwar to the Office premises of the Deputy Commissioner, led by the Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Karwar and the priests and religious of Karwar deanery.

The entire procession was in silence, holding banners and placards with the messages condemning the atrocities on the innocent Christians in Orissa and calling for peace and harmony among people of all religions.

The procession converged into a rally in front of the D.C. office and Bishop Derek Fernandes read out the memorandum endorsed with signatures of more than 3000 Catholics, and then handed over to the Deputy Commissioner, who assured to forward it to the Government for necessary action.

Bishop Derek submitting the memorandum bearing the signature of more than 3000 Catholics.

The following is the text of the Memorandum:

To the Deputy Commissioner, Uttar Kannada, Karwar.

Sir,

You are aware of the ongoing atrocities being perpetrated on the helpless and innocent minority Christian community in Orissa. Certain fundamentalist and communal elements are targeting the Christian community, resorting to vandalism, looting, killing and destroying property.

We condemn the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and his associates. But targeting innocent people as vengeance does not stand to reason. Instead of catching and punishing the wrong doers and criminals, innocent minority Christians are attacked and grievously injured destroying their life, limb and property. In any case violence of any kind cannot be justified for any reason whatsoever.

It is evident that the Government of Orissa and the civil administration has failed to provide the protection to the minority Christian community guaranteed in our constitution. Since the violence and terror are still continuing unabated, it appears that these fundamental and communal elements are operating with the connivance and tacit support of the local administration at the place.

We the Christians of Uttar Kannada district express our solidarity and concern with our victimized Christian brothers and sisters in Orissa and condemn the atrocities perpetrated by the communal and fundamentalist elements. Therefore we request your good self to kindly convey our fears and anxieties to the Government of Karnataka to take up the same with the Government of Orissa for suitable remedial action and immediate relief to our oppressed and unfortunate Christian brothers and sisters in Orissa.

Thanking you,

Bishop Derek Fernandes

and the Christians of Uttar Kannada district.

The protest rally was well covered by the press and television media persons.

Bishop Derek Responding to questions from media persons

To their question about the directive of the Karnataka Education Minister to issue notices to the school managements for closing down the Catholic schools on Friday, 29th August, the Bishop replied, "That itself is another form of atrocity on the Christian minority. Instead of sympathizing with us and condemning the atrocities committed on the innocent minority Christians, our very right of protest is being questioned. We are less than 2 per cent minority in our Country, and if we do not sympathize with our suffering brothers and sisters and protest, who else will do it?"

Similar protest rallies and processions were held in Kumta, Honavar, Sirsi, Yellapur, Haliyal and Joida talukas in the diocese by the Catholics of the respective deaneries under the leadership of the clergy-religious and the Catholic Association and memoranda were submitted to the respective tahsildars.

Fr. Thomas Misquith
Karwar

Fresh Violence: Atleast 4 More Churches Burnt

At Least Four More Churches Burnt as Violence Continues to Spread in Orissa

Christians gather inside a shelter at Raikia village in Orissa August 31, 2008.

Even as officials claim the 'situation to be under control', Anti-Christian Violence in Orissa continues unabated. Four Churches at least, and more Christian houses burnt as Violence Continues unabated in Orissa, despite Government assurances.

Situation Under Whose Control?

Reuters reports:

Hindu mobs have burnt at least four more churches in Orissa, officials said on Monday, as religious violence appeared to spread.

Thousands of people, mostly Christians, have taken shelter in makeshift camps, where Hindu mobs went on the rampage last week after a Hindu leader was killed.

Last week officials said the violence appeared to be abating after Hindu and Christian leaders called for calm, but over the weekend it spread to new parts of the state.

Mobs set fire to four churches in the districts of Koraput and Rayagada, Orissa's Director General of Police, Gopal Chandra Nanda, told Reuters.

Two churches and several houses were also burnt in the Kandhamal district, the epicentre of the tension, despite a curfew imposed in most of its towns, one of the state's leading newspapers, The Samaja, reported on Monday.

According to the Times of India:

Media reports said six churches and some houses had been burnt in Boriguma area of Koraput district and in some places in Rayagada district on Sunday.

Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda, however, said "only three or four churches had been set on fire".

Fresh violence was also reported from the troubled district of Kandhamal where mobs set fire to some churches and houses on Sunday evening. The incidents occurred in Bataguda and Parampanga area.

Contrast this with the official claim:

Bhubaneswar, Sept 1 (PTI) Claiming that the situation in Kandhamal and elsewhere in Orissa was well under control, the state government today said at least 558 houses and 17 places of worship were burnt in communal riots after VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's killing on August 23.

FIACONA Protests at the UN HQ in New York

FIACONA Stages Protest Outside United Nations Headquarters

Members of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organisations of North America stage a protest outside the United Nations headquarters.

Rediff.com reports:

The Federation of Indian American Christian Organisations of North America on Friday staged a protest outside the United Nations headquarters and urged Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to look into the 'naked violation' of human rights of Christians in Orissa.

Christian schools shut to protest Orissa violence

Holding placards with slogans that read 'Ban VHP,' 'Stop Burning Christians alive in Orissa,' and 'Deploy Army to Orissa to Christians,' the FIACONA activists staged a three-hour protest outside the UN.

"By conducting a prayer vigil and writing to Ban, we seek to highlight the issue in the international arena. If India seeks to become a major player in the global arena, since it is a signatory to the human rights declaration, it should respect these sensibilities," Bernard Malik, chief of FIACONA, told rediff.com.

Orissa violence: Centre favours CBI probe

"UN is not a foreign body and India is very much part of it. Whether Mr Ban reads the letter or makes a statement on it not, it is not going to resurrect the dead Christians. India needs to own up to its responsibility in protecting its own citizens," he said.

"By giving the memorandum to Mr Ban, we would like to call the attention of the world body to the plight of Christians in India. Because India is constitutionally a secular state, we would like to see all communities, irrespective of their religions, to live in peace and harmony. India should uphold its constitutions and so this memorandum," the Reverend Wilson, of Grace International Assembly, and also a coordinator for Indian American Christians, told rediff.com.

Rights groups urge US, EU to end Orissa violence

"We are concerned about the atrocities committed on the minorities in our mother land. We condemn every murder, including that of Swami Saraswati, whose murder was perpetrated by Communist Maoists. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad blamed the Christians for the killing, using it as a ruse to attack and kill Christians, who also are peaceful citizens of India," the Reverend Wilson said.

In the memorandum to Ban, FIACONA urged him to look into the 'crumbling of the very basis of the civilised society and the absolute degradation of the morals and values of co-existence and cooperation. All the Christians in India and the world look up to you for your valuable support to end the macabre and horrendous carnage of the Christians in Orissa'.

Kandhamal returns to normalcy after week-long violence

Abraham George, a senior UN Official and general secretary of the Indian National Overseas Congress, said that the latest news reports suggest that over 30 people have been killed, schools, orphanages and churches vandalised, nuns raped and a woman set ablaze.

"What we are witnessing here is a complete failure of the government machinery headed by the Biju Janata Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party combine, in protecting the innocent citizens of the state, where extremists are wreaking havoc by killing people and challenging the pluralistic character of the nation," Abraham said.

Woman burnt, 12 churches razed during Orissa bandh

The INOC has also released a statement condemning the killings.

Malik blamed the Orissa government for its inaction in protecting Swamiji even after he received death threats.

"Then, after the murder, the government should have been proactive in preventing riots and protecting Christians. The VHP is also to be blamed for the negative propaganda about the myth of conversion and Central government for its failure to intervene in a timely manner," he said.

Christian families still still hiding in the jungles, says CRPF

Malik said there have been as many as 123 incidents in Orissa in the last two weeks and 143 incidents of violence against Christians in Karnataka.

"Being a forever peace-loving and religious tolerant community, Christians are remaining mute spectators to these intensely inhuman and barbaric acts," Malik said.

Orissa: VHP men damage churches, prayer hall

In response to another question, Malik said that it is matter of changing the mindset of common masses that gets exploited by the ruling party.

"Indians till today are not driven by principles but by political affiliations. Therefore, the principle of plural India is not an objective principle that has been consistently supported. Indians have a short memory in learning lessons," he said.

Saved from the Fires: Fr. Edward Sequeira

Fr. Edward Sequeira SVD Rescued from Burning Narrates the Trauma

Picture of Fr. Edward Sequeira SVD

Fr. Edward Sequeira SVD reached Hyderabad early on August 30th morning after an 8 hours gruelling journey by road from Sambalpur hospital where he was undergoing treatment after he was rescued from the burning inferno that took the life of 19 year Hindu girl Rajni Majhi. His lungs have been badly affected due to inhaling for more than two hours smoke polluted air. He has been taken to Mumbai where he will be close to his family and receive the urgent medical care he needs.

He recounts his traumatic story:

"It all began around 13.00 hrs" he recalled. "I was having lunch at my single room presbytery that doubles as office, bedroom and store room. The doors were closed. I heard some one calling out, 'Father, Father.' Thinking that some one was there with some patients needing to be taken to hospital I opened the door and came out.

There was a crowd of about 20 people crowding before my room. They suddenly pulled out from behind their backs, iron rods, lathies, and wooden pieces. They started thrashing me. They wanted to me to shout 'Yesu Christu Murdabad' (Death to Jesus Christ) 'Bajrang Bali Ki Jai' (Long Live Bajrang Bali).

They continued thrashing me and then pushed me back into the room, poured diesel on the floor, some fell on by clothes and set the place on fire and bolted the room from outside.

I slipped on the diesel soaked floor, some how managed to reach the bath room where providentially there were two buckets of water - we do not have running water - and poured it all across the room. Without making much noise I bolted from inside all the doors and windows under cover of billowing smoke."

Dr. Sr. Marykutty of Handmaids of Mary who nursed him all through this stay at the hospital and then accompanied him filled in with the remaining details.

"The previous evening Fr. Edward was in a town around 300 kilometers away and when he heard of the killing of the Swamy he decided to rush back to the hostel as the kids were alone in the care of Rajani.

She had been given in adoption by her Hindu biological parents. As soon as the adopted parents got children of their own Rajani's life changed. Her natural parents refused to receive her back when the adopted parents started neglecting her and pulled her out of school for working in the house.

The sisters found her a place at father's hostel so that she could continue her studies. She had completed her plus two and had been sort of a boarding mistress to the children of leprosy patients for whom the hostel was being run.

People had advised Fr. Edward not to return to the hostel. But he knew his children needed him. And that is what he decided to do - to return to the hostel.

After locking up Fr Edward in his room the marauding crowd pushed out all the children from where they were hiding in a shed nearby. When Rajini came out running, she was tied up and thrown back in the fire!

20 Year Old Rajni Majhi Burnt to Death by the Mob
[See Separate Story: How 20 Year Old Rajni Was Burnt to Death]

Fr. Edward told me that he sees the hand of God in all this. "He has plans for me, He kept me alive."

Orissa Violence: Real Death Toll?

Death Toll Much Higher Than Official Figure

7 days after the terrible violence in Orissa began, officials are presenting a death toll between 14 and 20.

Given the nature of the violence, and the scale of destruction, one suspects this figure to be far higher.

Basing himself on "reliable sources", a Christian activist now makes a shocking claim that there are "at least 100 dead".

Asianews reports:

Meanwhile, the number of victims of the violence continues to increase: "We have received authentic information that the death toll is 100", says Dr Sajan George, national president of the GCIC, "and more butchered bodies and burnt corpes are being found".

In its statement the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) too puts the figure much above the official figure claiming "that 50 people, mostly Christians, were killed in the recent Orissa violence.

Agartala Christians Hold Protest Rally

Christians in the North East Holy Rally to Protest Orissa Violence

Bishop Lumen and other Pastors of Denominations lead the rally

Guwahati, Aug. 30. Agartala, 29 Aug 2008: The Christian community of Agartala held a rally in the capital town to protest against the repeated attacks on Christians in the state of Orissa. The rally which started from RMS Choumunhi in the heart of the town and proceeded to the Gandhi statue near Raj Bhawan, was attended by a large group of Christians belonging to the various churches and denominations in the state.

The rally, organized by the United Christian Forum of Agartala, was held in a peaceful manner, with the participants wearing black badges and walking in silence.

Those who spoke at the rally included Bishop Lumen Monteiro CSC, DD, Pastor Kamal Chakarbarty and Pastor Dakhina Reang. They reiterated that the intention behind the rally was to register protest against the ongoing violence against Christians in Orissa and also to show solidarity with the suffering brethren there. The Christian leaders also urged the government of Orissa to restore normalcy and peace among all sections of people in Orissa. A memorandum to this effect was also submitted to the Governor by the Christian leaders.

Many school students were also found participating in the rally as all the Christians schools in the state were closed as yet another mark of protest against the Orissa violence.

Joseph Pulinthanath sdb
Spokesperson, Diocese of Agartala

Picture and Story Courtesy: Bosco Information Service

"They Ordered Me to Have Sex with the Nun": Fr. Chellen

Fr. Thomas Chellen Describes the Orissa Mob Ordeal

Picture of Fr. Thomas Chellen

Fr. Thomas Chellen, director of the pastoral center that was destroyed with a bomb, had a narrow escape after a Hindu mob nearly set him on fire. Currently undergoing treatment at a Catholic hospital in Orissa's capital Bhubaneswar, Fr. Chellen had this horrifying experience to share with Catholic News Service:

"They had poured kerosene on my head, and one held a matchbox in his hands to light the fire. But thanks to divine providence, in the end, they did not do that. Otherwise, I would not have been there to tell this horror," the 55-year-old priest, director of the pastoral center at Konjamendi in the Indian state of Orissa, told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from his hospital bed Aug. 28.

When a Hindu mob of 500 people broke into the pastoral center around noon Aug. 24, Father Chellen said he fled through the backyard with another priest and a nun.

"It was heartbreaking for us to watch from a distance the entire complex go up in smoke," said Father Chellen, who had supervised the construction of the center that opened in 2001 and could accommodate 200 people.

"They vandalized everything and set it on fire. It has been reduced to ashes," he added.

As the three watched from a distance, some other priests told them to flee.

"We fled to the jungles and came in the night to take shelter in the house of a Hindu friend and spent the night there," Father Chellen said, adding that the second priest left them to join other priests.

The following morning, he said, the Hindu family moved the priest and nun to an adjacent vacant house and locked it to give the impression that no one was inside.

However, the Hindu mobs overheard the priest speaking on his cell phone, broke into the room and dragged him and the nun outside.

"They began our crucifixion parade," said Father Chellen. The gang of about 50 armed Hindus "beat us up and led us like culprits along the road" to the burned pastoral center.

"There they tore my shirt and started pulling off the clothes of the nun. When I protested, they beat me hard with iron rods. Later, they took the sister inside (and) raped her while they went on kicking and teasing me, forcing (me) to say vulgar words," said the priest who has cuts, bruises and swollen tissue all over his body and stitches on his face.

"Later both of us, half-naked, were taken to the street, and they ordered me to have sex with the nun in public, saying nuns and priests do it. As I refused, they went on beating me and dragged us to the nearby government office. Sadly, a dozen policemen were watching all this," he said.

Angry at his plea to the police for help, the mob beat the bleeding priest again.

Later, a government official and members of the mob took the priest and the nun to the police station, where Father Chellen said he was kicked in the face.

"The four-hour ordeal ended when a senior police officer arrived in the evening," said Father Chellen.

The priest said one of the most hurtful things about the incident was that some local Hindus whom he knew were watching the events and ignored his requests for help.

Asianews has a follow up story: Orissa: after his calvary Father Thomas willing to go back to serve those who hurt him

Orissa Violence: Mangalore Submits Memorandum

Mangalore Church Submits Memorandum Against Orissa Violence

A South Indian Diocese in the State of Karnataka has submitted a memorandum against the atrocities on Christians in Orissa. The Memorandum addressed to Sri Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Orissa and Sri Shivraj Patil, Home Minister of the Government of India through the Deputy Commissioner of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka was submitted in the name of the Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D'Souza by Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira, Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese as the Bishop is under medical treatment. The full text of the Memorandum follows:

29 August 2008

MEMORANDUM

To:
Hon'ble Sri Naveen Patnaik
Chief Minister, Orissa
Bhuvaneswar,
ORISSA

Hon'ble Sri Shivaraj Patil
Home Minister,
Government of India
NEW DELHI

Through:
The Deputy Commissioner, D.K.,
MANGALORE

Honorable Sir

In the wake of the recent violence unleashed in the Kandhamal District of Orissa and the killing of Swami Lakshmananda Saraswathi and his four associates in the Ashram, which the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) as well as the Christian community of Orissa and in other parts of the country strongly denounced and condemned and appealed for maintaining communal harmony and peace, there have been unwarranted attacks on Christians and their houses and institutions in the same district and neighbouring areas.


Some organizations in Orissa pointed fingers at the Christian community and brutally murdered Fr. Thomas Pandipally, a CMI priest. An orphanage managed by Christian missionares was set ablaze. A woman working for that orphanage and a paralytic man in his own hous, were burned to death. Two priests and a few religous women were seriously injured and several Christian institutions destroyed. Fearing for their life many Christians including women and children, religious men and women have taken shelter in the nearby forests!


We are deeply pained to see our brothers and sisters in Orissa being targeted for no fault of theirs; they are victims of a calibrated malicious campaign by certain unruly organizations that take the law in their own hands. Besides, the calibrated malicious campaign has already spread or is spreading to the other States. In the light of this, we express our helplessness.


We Christians are a peace-loving and law abiding citizens of our great country, India. We are no less patriotic than others. We have manifested our patriotism in many ways in the past and history is clear evidence to this truth. When atrocities take place we are adequately protected and many times justice is denied to the victims.


We solicit your support in the matter mentioned above and from our part we promise that we remain loyal citizens of this great nation of great people. We want to reiterate that as we are loyal to our religion, we are second to none in our allegiance to our country. Therefore we request you to grant us adequate protection.



Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza
Mangalore

"A Plan to Cleanse Orissa of its Christian Population"

The Motives Behind the Ongoing Violence

To Stop Tribals and Dalits From Developing and Achieving Dignity

Verbite clergyman and expert sociologist, Fr. Augustine Kanjamala, talks about the motives behind the ongoing waves of violence against Christians — conversion to Christianity, education and emancipation allow Tribals and Dalits to escape slave-like conditions. Fr. Augustine, who teaches at the University of Mumbai, appeals to the Churches of the world to "express their protest to the government of India" which has remained "inactive" with regards to anti-Christian violence. He openly charges the Orissa state government for its increasingly explicit collusion with the pogrom currently underway against the community of faithful.

According to Father Kanjamala a plan to cleanse Orissa of its Christian population has been in the making for years, especially in the district of Kandhamal (where most of the atrocities have taken place) where Christians now constitute around 5 per cent of the population. Conversions by, development for and emancipation of Tribals and Dalits are confronted by Hindutva conservatism.

This is a must read story.

Some Pictures of the Orissa Violence

Photos of the Anti-Christian Violence in Orissa

Firefighters douse the flames at an orphanage at Khuntpalli village in Orissa where Hindu fanatics burnt alive a 20-year-old woman.

House of a Christian destroyed in the violence in Orissa. Anti-Christian violence since Aug. 25 has killed at least 14 people in four days.

Missionaries of Charity nuns are keeping prayer vigil for peace in violence-torn Orissa state. A convent of their congregation was destroyed in the arson.

Arsonists block public traffic in Orissa on Aug. 25 when VHP called a Bandh to protest gunning down of their leader Lazmananda Saraswati on the night of Aug. 23.

The remains of a Church set afire by Hindu fanatics in the violence in Orissa. Anti-Christian violence since Aug. 25 has killed at least 14 people in four days.

Police guard a church in Bhubaneshwar, capital of Orissa state where anti-Christian violence killed at 14 least people since Monday.

Acknowledgement: All pictures provided courtesy of ICNS, the news site of the Indian Bishops Conference.

20 Year Old Rajni Burnt to Death

How a 20 Year Old Girl Was Burnt to Death Watched by a Cheering Mob

Rajni Majhi (20) who was burnt alive by the mob

Fr. Edward Sequeira, a priest belonging to the Society of Divine Word (SVD), was one of those who was seriously injured when his mission station was attacked by the mob in Orissa.

Currently recuperating at Burla Medical College Hospital, Sambalpur, Fr. Sequeira, upon gaining consciousness, narrated the story to his brother Commodore Valentine Sequeira who writes:

A large mob of more than 700 people were returning after attending the cremation of Swami Laxmananand Saraswati who was killed along with four others Saturday evening by suspected Maoist guerrillas at his Jalespata ashram.

The mob was chanting anti-Christian slogans and when they reached Padampur in Bargarh district, they attacked the orphanage where Fr Edward lived.

Ms. Rajni, a 20 year old student who lived in the orphanage and was also working as an auxiliary nurse in the orphanage confronted them.

When Fr Sequeira arrived at the spot, the mob locked him and Rajni into separate rooms, and ordered the children to vacate the orphanage. The mob then ransacked Fr Sequeira's room, poured petrol on him, Rajni and set the orphanage on fire.

The ruins of the orphange that was burned own.

"I was engulfed in flames, I could hear the cries of Rajni and the mob was cheering and shouting through the windows," recalls Fr Sequeira.

He however, managed to crawl to the bathroom, beat out the flames and closed the windows.

"When I started to suffocate I found a crack on the wall that was damaged in the attack and kept my nose there to breath some air. All the while I could hear the cries of Rajni from the next room where she was writhing in agony. After sometime, there was silence and I thought she must have managed to escape from the room," recalled Fr Sequeira.

Unknown to Fr Edward, the girl was burnt alive and had breathed her last.

Fr. Edward Sequeira SVD recovering in the hospital.

People from the neighborhood who heard the cries of children rushed to the rescue, broke the walls and brought him to safety. That is when the mob attacked him again outside the orphanage and beat him up mercilessly till he became unconscious. He was initially rushed to the hospital at Padampur and later with the help of local officials was shifted to Burla Medical College Hospital, in Sambalpur.

"The cries of Rajni and the guilt of helplessness in saving her life will always haunt me," Fr. Edward sighs.

Full story at Mangalorean.com

Pope Condemns Violence, Appeals for Peace

Pope: In India, Religious and Civil Authorities Must Work to Stop the Violence

Firm condemnation from Benedict XVI for what is taking place in Orissa, for "every attack on human life". Solidarity with the Christian victims of attacks by Hindus. For the faithful present at the general audience, he drew a portrait of Saint Paul, "tireless apostle of the Gospel".

The Pope's Words...

"I have learned with deep sadness the news about the violence against the Christian communities in the Indian State of Orissa, which erupted following the deplorable murder of the Hindu leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati. Some persons have been killed and others injured. Worship centers, church property and private houses have also been destroyed.

While I firmly condemn all attacks against human life, the sacredness of which demands the respect of all, I express my spiritual closeness and solidarity to the brothers and sisters in the faith so hardly tried. I implore the Lord to accompany and support them in this time of suffering and give them the strength to continue in the service of love in favour of all.

I ask the religious leaders and civil authorities to work together to restore among the members of the various communities the peaceful coexistence and harmony which have always been the distinguishing mark of the Indian society."

Download and Listen: Real audio broadcast by Vatican Radio.

ORISSA: Christians Beaten and Cut to Pieces

"Only now the death of a Catholic man in the village of Tiangia has come to light. After he was killed Vikram Nayak was cut to pieces. Two other people close to him were so seriously beaten up and hurt that they died two days later."

Read the full story:

Orissa: burning and looting continues, Christians beaten and cut to pieces

ORISSA: Christians in Deep Trouble

Fr. Pius Fernandes SJ, Bhubaneshwar

Fr Pius Fernandes SJ writes from Bhubaneshwar about the incidents at Khandamahal District in Orissa. The burning and looting continues even as he writes this article (Aug 26, 10.00pm).

Bhubaneshwar Aug 26: Violence re-erupted within the Indian state of Orissa today. The attacks performed by Hindu extremist groups are just one link in a long chain of events that have continued to strain Hindu-Christian relations within the state.

Today's attacks were triggered by the killing of a prominent Hindu leader this past weekend. On Saturday, August 23rd, Swami Laxanananda Saraswati along with five other people was shot dead in his Jalaspeta Ashram near Tumudibandha (Kandhamal District, Orissa). Naxalite groups, especially prominent in this region, have taken credit for the attacks. The Swami was 84 years old and was especially known for violently opposing cow slaughter and conversion to Christianity. He is also believed to have orchestrated the Christmas 2007 riot against Christians in the Kandhamal district of Orissa which has left thousands of Christians homeless to this day. Since the December attacks Hindu-Christian relations have remained tense within Kandhamal. In retaliation for the August 23rd killings the VHP and its allied political families called for a bandh (road blockade) for the 25th of August. In the meantime a judicial enquiry is ordered into the incident, though many opposition parties have called for the resignation of Naveen Patnaik's for failing to maintain law and order.

In retaliation for the Swami's death, the extremist wing of the VHP has engaged in a series of attacks against Christians which started on 23 rd and are expected to continue.

On 23rd evening immediately after the news of murder of Swami Laxmanaadada Saraswati spread in the district, two sisters of Precious Blood congregation at Kothaguda who were on their way to Berhampur were stopped near G. Udayagiri, pulled out from the vehicle. Vehicle was then set on fire and the driver was severely beaten up. Almost at the same time a vehicle carrying HM sisters near Ainthapally in Sambalpur, a prayer chapel at Tentuliapadar in Sundargarh was also burned and destroyed. With these incidents, the stories of violence, abuse and attacks continue with several churches, church institutions, priests, Nuns, Christian people and their houses being attacked, abused, ransacked, and torched.

As the impact of the news started getting visible across the state, government got into action by announcing prohibitory orders (144 Section) in Kandhamal district. This was also a preparatory action by the state government ahead of the 12-hour bandh called by the VHP and other affiliates of the Sangh Parivar on 25th august to protest the killing.

On Sunday morning 24th August 2008, prayers in many churches were disrupted with very few participants attending the mass fearing attacks.

From the same day attacks in Kandhamal district intensified. It was the turn of Janvikas office like many other offices which were burnt to ashes during the violence in December 2007. Jan Vikas is a social wing of the Archdiocese of Cuttack Bhubaneswar and works towards empowerment of the most marginalised in the districts. A mob attacked, ransacked the office and set fire burning down three four wheelers, six motor cycles, all the important records and documentation of the organisation and office equipment. This incident took place at 5.30 in the evening.

After this, the mob continued their assaults at Divya Jyoti Pastoral Centre by gutting, burning and looting the same at about 6 p.m. The same group entered the Baliguda presbytery, convent and hostel damaging the properties.

In similar attacks, the Roman Catholic Church at Kanjamedi was attacked and vandalized at 6.30 p.m. The Diocesan Church at Kanjamedi was ransacked and other three Pentecostals churches were destroyed in the same way at 6.45 p.m. by the same group. In the late evening, about 12 Dalit Christian shops were burnt to ashes in Raikia.

On 25th August 2008 as the Bandh lead to many protests, rastha rokos, tyre burning etc., the following incidents of violence shook the whole state and the Christian community. At 7.00 a.m, Phulbani Church and presbytery were vandalized and ransacked. Srasanda MC Brother's residence was attacked and the patients who came there to get treatment were beaten up and the VHP activists continued to burn houses and household articles of Christian families in the area. Eight houses were completely destroyed in this incident.

On the same day at 10.30 a.m houses of Christian families in Christiansahi in Balliguda were destroyed and ransacked. The details of damage and the numbers are not available as yet. In a similar incident houses in Nuasahi were set on fire destroying the whole street where Christian families lived. This incident took place at 11.30 a.m.

Two boys studying in the church run hostel were caught in Baliguda and their heads were tonsured.

In the afternoon at about 1.00 pm Jamaj Parichha's house was attacked and his vehicles were set ablaze, doors were cut into pieces and he was beaten up by the mob. He sustained severe head injury and is hospitalised (place is not disclosed because of the security reasons). It is said that he is one of the primary targets of the hindutva forces in the area. His wife being a Hindu pleaded the mob to spare him and even showed that she practices Hinduism but they showed no mercy continued beating him up and said "he is a Christian and we will kill him".

As this incident happened, houses of the staffs of Jan Vikas (Diocesan organisation under the Arch Diocese of Cuttack- Bhubaneswar) were also burnt. Five staffs are directly affected by this violence and all of them fled their villages and went into hiding.

In a very similar way, at 2 pm the house of Puren Nayak resident of Bhudansahi was attacked and burnt into ashes. All his assets were removed from the house and were set on fire in a pile. . As the violence continued in the village, mob ransacked the Christian houses burnt all their belongings. The women (Hindu) in the community were identifying the houses to be burnt down as the mob followed their instructions. Women also supplied kerosene to encourage the mob.

The strategy used by the mob is very similar. The household articles and assets are brought outside the house and are set on fire. This is because under Indian Penal code section 436, the person/persons involved in burning the house are punishable with 7 years+ of rigorous imprisonment and this falls under the category of a non bailable offence. And when the assets/belonging are brought outside the house and burnt, it's a bailable offense and the punishment is limited to 6 months to one year of imprisonment. This offense falls under IPC 435.

Fr. Challan, Director of Pastoral centre, Kanjamendi and Sr. Meena, administrator of the centre which was burnt and ransacked on 24th escaped from the centre to hide in Jashawanta Pradhan's house. On 25th, mob having the information about this forcefully entered the house dragging both of them outside. They were beaten up badly and taken to the police fundi (smaller unit of police station) in the area. It is reported that they were tied up in the fundi and were threatened of being burnt alive. There is no update about their condition since then.

Paul Pradhan who runs an NGO in the district and works for the rights of dalits and adivasis was also attacked in his house, office was destroyed completely.

It is also reported that most of the Christian houses in Tikkabali block were attacked and set fire. Numbers are still unknown.

One person called Vikram Nayak was cut into pieces at Tiagian under G Udaygiri police station. Other two sustained injuries while no medication facilities have been made available and it is reported that both two persons were died. In Tiangia village under the same police station limits, houses of Christian families were set on fire and people have fled to jungle. It was reported that the miscreants have been following them and were attacking.

On 25th late night, Sankrakhol Parish church and presbytery were set fire and ransacked, the parish priest Fr. Alexandar Chandi left to the nearest forest and he was saved. It is reported that his most of the assets are set fire and church is completely destroyed.

Fr. Bernard Digal who had gone to visit Fr. Alexandar Chandi was held up in Sankrakhol parish when the mob attacked the church. His Marshal Jeep was set fire. While narrating the incident Fr.Bernard said that when the mob enters the church premise they left to the forest and hid themselves. They were safe but the vehicle was set fire. He walked around 10.K.M to reach one of his relations house. As he was walking the attackers were use to see him but could not recognise.

• On 25th August late night the Convent of St.Joseph's at Sankrakhole was attacked and ransacked. Sisters also left to the forest and have saved their life.


• On 25th August 2008, Abenswar Digal's house is set fire, under Tikabali Police station.

In Raikia, attacks are on as of 11.30 p.m. and the nature of damage is yet to be known. As per the first information report reveals that on 25th August late evening at Raikia 17 Christian houses were ransacked. Most of the house articles and assets were removed from the house and gather outside and set fire. As per the first hand report the victims identified were Mr. Bijay Parichha, Mr. R.K.Nayak, Mr. Joseph Nayak, Mr. Susant Dal Behera, Mr. Santosh Nayak, Mr. Santun Nayak, Mr. Harihar Das, Mr. Mosesh Nayak, Mr. Prakash Nayak, Mr. Raju Parichha and others.

• On 25th August 2008 late night The Ambasodar Vehicle of Mr. Sukant Nayak, Director Shahara (NGO), was set fire.


• On 25 th August 2008 late night The Office of Karuna (NGO), under Raikia Police station were ransacked.


• On 25th afternoon the Pentecostal church at Budamaha, under Raikia Polic station was vandalized and ransacked.


• On 25th August 2008, Masadkia church was vandalized and ransacked.


• On 25th August 2008, two Pentecostal churches were vandalized and ransacked.


• On 25th August 2008, Pisermaha Church, under Raikia Police station was vandalized and ransacked.


• On 25th August 2008, Baptist church and R.C Church at Mondakia under Raikia Police station was vandalized and ransacked.


• On 25th August 2008, Mdahupanga Church, under Raikia Police station was vandalized and ransacked.

As the violence continues, most of the parish priests and sisters are still not reachable and their conditions are not known. The houses are being burnt in several places in Phulbani, Srasanada, Pobingia, Balliguda and Konjamendi.

In Bhubaneswar, the impact of the Bandh was also felt severely by people with most of the office being closed, shops stayed closed as well. Transportation was totally disrupted and tyres were burnt in many places across the city. There were huge rallies by the supporters of VHP and Bajrangdal on the main roads and junctions.

There were also some cases of attacks reported within the city and most of these attacks were on churches and church related institutions. From early morning of 25th onwards violent mobs made several attempts to enter the compound of Catholic Church and Archbishop's house in the city with a view to attack. Policemen deployed at the scene disbursed the mob and stopped them from entering the campus. Angry mob threw stones at the guest house of Archbishop's House, damaging some windows panes.

Another group of fundamentalists entered presbytery in Duburi parish, managed by the SVDs and destroyed and damaged property. Two priests of the said parish Fr. Xavier and Fr. Simon are missing and they were about are yet to be found. Institutions like XIMB, St. Arnold's School and NISWASS have suffered some damages while one Baptist Church in Akamra Jila in the city was also damaged.

Situation seems to be very serious and worsening by every hour with violence being intensified. From across the districts, people are trying to flee to the safer places. But nothing seems be safe as of now. The violence can turn more intense as the people return after Swami's cremation.

Other events that took place in Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput and other south Orissa districts left Christians and Christian institutions throughout the state fearful. Father Obed Khura of Sunebeda received three threatening calls. While he approached the Sunebeda OIC, has was refused police protection and was sent back with assurance that the school he runs will not be attacked and was instructed to stay away from the school.

In Muniguda (closer to Tumudibandha, Rayagada district), as the mass was coming to an end two jeep loads of youth from the town entered the compound and started shouting slogans. The police arrived on time and prevented the situation from escalating. Three policemen have been deployed at the gate which has been destroyed. The Church and Convent at Muniguda could not be saved. Around 80 inmates under the leadership of Fr. Pius Ekka and Sr. Marina Chacko have taken refuge in the forest. This happened inspite of the fact that Fr. Marshal Mihir Upasi was constantly in touch with the State Control Office of the Orissa Police and the SP of Rayagada. The mob first torched the police Jeep in Muniguda and then proceeded to the Convent and Church. On the previous day (24th of August) the mob threatened the Fathers after Sunday Mass. The mob sought out the houses holding Christian families and managed to destroy some of them. As a consequence allowing refuge to families has placed others at risk.

As the mob moved on from Bhairaguda, 3 km away from Muniguda to seek shelter in a school while raining, the villagers from the hindu community fed them. This took place at 7.20 pm.

Expecting an attack Fr. Manickthan, Bhawanipatna asked for protection, the SP expressed his inability to do anything due to the size of the mob. When Father suggested the SP on announcing curfew in the area and stop the mob's movement, the angry SP retorted saying that Fr. need not give orders to him. Later in the forenoon both the ADM and the SP visited the Church compound and inspected the law and order situation. The Malankara hostel was attacked in Bhawanipatna, not far from the Catholic Church, and many children have been badly hurt.

Missionaries of Charity from Dharmagarh, unaware of the events from the previous night, were travelling to Bhawanipatna for Sunday Mass. Near the jail in Bhawanipatna town their ambulance was intercepted and pelted with stones. All the sisters sustained minor injuries from the stones and broken glass. The police arrived and sent them back in the same damaged vehicle to Dharmagarh. Sr. Suma and Sr. Nirmala have been informed of this and the district administration has assured them of protection.

A group of police are guarding the Church in Jeypore after the threat of oncoming attacks. The police informed Fr. Bimol Nayak that some 200 people are preparing to attack the Church. Fr. Bimol Nayak and another Brother have taken shelter with nearby friends. Around 24 policemen are guarding the church compound in Mohana after road blocks started on Sunday evening. Additionally, a group of 9 police men are safeguarding the Church in Goudogotho and the Cathedral.

It is also reported that the Lutheran Church in Malkangiri, Padua, and Gunupur were destroyed. Fathers and Sisters along with the children in Gumuda have left the mission stations fearing attacks. On the 24th as the Congregation was coming out of the Church in Malkangiri, a group of angry youth harassed them and forced them to recite Bande Mataram. 22 Christian Families of Shanti Nagar (Givindapur) at the foothill of Taptapani Hot Spring were also assaulted and forced to leave the village.

In Boudh also, a group of protestors entered the parish and destroyed things and property. Communal tension was high also in other districts across the state with several incidents of attacks against the people as well as property. In Balasore, Balsore Social Service Society (official social wing of the Balasore diocese) was attacked three times during the day on 25th august. The mob shouting slogans broke all the window panes and destroyed a statue of Mother Mary which was installed in the BSSS office campus. Badrak also had few incidents of attacks but the details are not known.

Hindu protestors attacked Jyoti Niketan of Baipariguda in Koraput district in the afternoon of 25th August. Father Joy Areeckal had to run into the forest and the hostel children and his social workers are subjected to insults and intimidation. The Mission has been destroyed along with all that it contained. A sad twist to the story is that the police along with the people seized wooden planks in spite of the fact that the carpenters who are building a new hostel building in the campus there claimed that it was bought by them. Consequently, a criminal case may be filed against Fr. Areeckal under the Forest Act.

Mr. Routo Desinayak and Ms. Kalyani, who works for an agro-entrepreneurship program for SWAD at Boipariguda were also arrested under the forest protection act. Though the Police Officer and the Block Development Officer was not willing, the mob forced the police to tie Mr. Desinayak with a rope and drag him through the street up to the Forest Office. Miss Kalyani being a woman was spared of this ordeal. Fr. Thomas Chelan and a Sister (name could not be obtained) who were manhandled and humiliated by the mob have been kept in police custody in the pretext of giving security since the morning of August 25th.

In Govindapally, close to Boipariguda, protestors entered the Convent and damaged the grotto of Our Lady and the Cross of the Church yard. In the same district Fathers and Sisters in Koraput, Jeypore and Semiliguda are in hiding.

In Bargarh district, a mob of about 2000 people went around ransacking many church institutions and there were serious attacks on priests and nuns. In Padampur, Fr. Edward Sequira was attacked and was beaten up brutally. He survived with serious head injury and still unconscious. "His life is under critical still" said Fr. Alphonse Toppo, Vicar Gerneral of Sambalpur diocese. The institution which caters to children affected by Leprosy was attacked and burnt. While the institution burnt to ashes, along with it also burnt was the auxiliary nurse Rajani Majhi 20 year old, who took care of the children in the institute and was studying in Padampur Women's College.

Sundargarh also saw many such incidents of church burning and attacks on church properties damages are yet to be ascertained.

In Sambalpur district, HM Sister's residence of Ainthapalli has suffered damage while priests are given warnings of attacks in Madhupur, Badibahal area. Stone pelting and breaking of window panes of churches and related institutions was a common scene across the state.

In continuation to all this violence across the state, Dibyasingh Pariccha, PRO and Secretary, Justice and Peace Commission (Arch Diocese of Cuttak Bhubaneswar) has condemned the killing of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and appealed for a CBI enquiry into the incident. He requested that culprits responsible for the incident be punished instead of attacking the whole Christian community.

He appealed to the government to deploy adequate forces to safeguard life and property of Christian people.

It is reported that people are suffering from with out food, cloth and shelter. Last night, there was heavy rain and people were in the forest with the wet cloth. However, the condition of the children and women were indescribable. School children are deprived of their studies.

Courtesy: Daijiworld

How Could They Not Foresee This?

The government bears a heavy responsibility says Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, the Chairman of the Latin Rite Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

"How could they [the government] not foresee ahead of time such a situation and take the necessary preventive measures to avert this large scale mayhem?" asks the prelate.

The prelate noted that last December similar incidents took place in the same area with villages under siege, churches set on fire and people killed.

For the chairman of Indian bishops such episodes are a "shameful for India within the international community; it is a blot on India’s image. The international community might end up seeing us as a nation where the government is slow to act and police is ineffective."

The full story here.

And here's the link to the downloadable audio (Real Audio) file