FIACONA Demands Ban on VHP

Federation of Indian American Christian Organization of North America

Press Release

09-11-08

Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA) seeks an immediate ban on Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), as the VHP has openly established itself as an anti-Christian organization of militant characteristics. The militancy is nowhere short of terrorism and it neither reflects the thoughts of the majority Indian Hindus nor does it represent them. The violence against Christians in Orissa was perpetrated by Hindu radicals, allegedly by the VHP. Hindus are a peace-loving community who follow Ahimsa (non-violence). President of FIACONA, Reverend Bernard Malik says, "Since VHP does not follow Ahimsa, it has no right to represent Hindus, it has become a militant organization that most of the Hindus do not identify with, and thus in the interest of the Hindus and in the national interest of secularism, FIACONA demands an immediate ban on the VHP." Mr. Titus Mathew General Secretary said, "Because of its bloody track record VHP should be disowned by all Indians and particularly by Hindus for misrepresentation of true Hindu values."

Congress seeks ban on VHP, Bajrang Dal. The Congress sought a ban on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, saying they were involved in "activities detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country...These organizations should be banned," Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said. Slamming the BJP-Biju Janata Dal ruling combine in Orissa, where communal violence has claimed several lives, Tiwari accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of being ineffective and of "succumbing to the pressure of BJP to become a party to political polarization".

Left urges President to ban VHP, Dal. A delegation led by senior CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat and comprising CPI leaders D. Raja and Gurudas Dasgupta and CPI (M) MP Suresh Kurup, asked President Pratibha Patil to direct the Orissa government to rein in the saffron outfits which are involved in "killing" number of Christians in the state.

Shri Paswan seeks an immediate ban on the VHP. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan demanded a ban on the Rashtriya Swyamasevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal for alleged violence against Christians in Orissa, as he says, "If the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) has to be banned, then why not VHP, Bajrang Dal or RSS".

Swami Agnivesh demands ban on VHP and Bajrang Dal. Social activist and World Council of Arya Samaj President Swami Agnivesh demanded a complete ban on the activities of VHP and Bajrang Dal in the country. "There is enough evidence to put a ban on these two organizations ... Bajrang Dal in fact is emerging as a 'terrorist' organization in the country," Swami Agnivesh remarked while expressing concern over the communal violence in Orissa allegedly unleashed by the members of the VHP and the Bajrang Dal.

Noted social activist Teesta Setalvad seeks a ban on VHP. She says, "The violence by VHP and Bajrang Dal against religious minorities in Orissa shows that these are violent terror outfits…It is part of a greater conspiracy to spread communal tensions. SIMI is banned for the same and hence Bajrang Dal and its affiliates should also be banned".

Other social activists also demand a ban on the VHP. The social activists, who included among others Ms Meenakshi Ganguly from Asia Division Human Rights Watch, National Integration Council member Shabnam Hasmi, National Dalit Movement for Justice general secretary Dr.Sirivella Prasad and AIDMAM National Convener Vimal Thorat, urged the Orissa state government to arrest all those responsible for attack on the Christians, launch comprehensive relief and rescue operation to bring the displaced to safer places, involve NGOs and Civil Society in relief and rescue operation, punish the officials who failed in their job to protect the lives of the people and deploy adequate central Para military forces to contain the violence.

Dr. Victor Joseph Chairman of Government Relations said, “As is evident from the above, the majority of Hindus do not follow the ideology of the VHP that has become a militant organization.” Mr. Abraham Mammen the National Vice President said, “FIACONA condemns the alleged role of the VHP in the Orissa killings of innocent Christians and demands an immediate ban of the VHP.”

NHRC Condemned for Failing to Probe Orissa Violence

National Human Rights Commission Condemned for Failing to Send Investigation Team to Orissa

Commission's Existence Seen as "Wastage of National Resources"

A human rights NGO Wednesday condemned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for failing to send an investigation team to the riot-hit areas of Orissa.

"NHRC has failed to fulfil its legal and moral obligation for the protection and promotion of human rights," said Suhas Chakma, Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) director, in a letter to the NHRC chairman Justice S. Rajendra Babu.

"The existence of NHRC has increasingly come to mean wastage of national resources to shield the state authorities for their acts of commissions and omissions on human rights," Chakma claimed.

"Yet NHRC has failed to issue any public statement either to condemn the killing or visit the strife-torn areas to improve the situation of the victims, in particular, those who have been displaced," Chakma said in his letter.

"The perfunctory notice issued by the NHRC to the state government of Orissa - which has been suppressing the actual status of grave situation including the number of deaths - to submit a report is scandalous, considering the scale of violence against Christians," the letter said.

ACHR has urged the NHRC to immediately send an investigation team to Orissa to inquire into killings in Orissa, improve the conditions of the displaced persons and take other necessary measures for prosecution of the culprits.

- Press Release

Reconverted Christians Asked to Attack Own Churches

Christians Forcibly Converted To Hinduism And Asked to Attack Their Own Churches

Attacks On Christians Continue In Orissa.

PRESS STATEMENT

New Delhi, September 2, 2008:

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is shocked to learn that the Christians in Orissa who have been already victims of violence are now being forced to become Hindus and attack their own Churches in which they have been worshiping so long. This is totally inhuman and a gross violation of human rights.

According to the latest reports from Bhubaneshwar, although Rapid Action Force is deployed at several places in Kandhamal with specific instructions ‘to shoot at sight’ the unruly mob continue to attack Churches and ransack the Christian institutions at will. On Monday, September 1, it is reported that 10 prayer halls were destroyed in Kundra village of Jayapur District. In Tikabali Block, 5 villages were attacked and property looted. Similarly, a Church, a Convent and 2 hostels were destroyed in Mondasore under Raikia Block.

We are extremely distressed to note that despite the assurances given by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the violence in Kandhamal would be brought under control, we find that there has not been much improvement in the riot hit areas of Kandhamal. Even though security forces have been deployed in Kandhamal, the fundamentalists continue to attack Christians and their institutions freely.

We earnestly, appeal to the Chief Minister of Orissa to act firmly against those who are taking law into their hands and safeguard Christians, their houses and institutions which are being constantly attacked by the fundamentalist groups. We also request the State Administration to be vigilant at the forced re-conversion issue since it is a gross violation of their Constitutional right to live in the country without fear.

Issued by

Rev Dr Babu Joseph
Spokesperson, CBCI

50,000 Christians Hiding in the Forest

Citizen's Delegation Meets Indian President Pratibha Patil

Tells President 50,000 Christians Hiding in Forests of Orissa from Maraudng Hindutva mobs, 4,000 Houses Burnt

New Delhi, September 1, 2008

Highlights:

• Citizen's Delegation meets President Pratibha Patil; Demands that Indian Government use Article 355 to force Orissa administration to protect Christians
• Violence continues even now, President is told by delegation led by Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, Maulana Mahmood Madani, MP, and Orissa Archbishop Cheenath.
• 300 villages burnt, 4,014 houses destroyed, 50,000 Christians hiding in Forests in a week

PRESS NOTE

A Citizens Delegation met President Pratibha Patil on Monday morning calling upon her to enforce Article 355 of the Constitution of India on Orissa so that the Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik administration takes adequate measures to protect Christians in the state from Hindutva violence..

The best legal opinion available to the delegation held that while Article 356 calls for imposition of President’s rule when New Delhi takes over reins of power, Article 355 reminds both New Delhi and state governments of their duties to protect States against internal disturbance and should be brought into force now.

The delegation reminded the President that the violence that has continued against Christians in Orissa from 23rd August till today justifies the use of this Article. The violence far exceeds that of Christians 2007, the delegation told the President, reminding her that she had a big role to play at this juncture..

In fact, violence has spilled out of Orissa into neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. In Orissa, It is not confined to Kandhamal but has affected other districts. In Kandhamal, fifty thousand people are hiding in forests or are in a few refugee camps, hiding from murderous gangs seeking to kill them or convert them to Hinduism, Over 4,000 houses have been completely destroyed apart from now close to a hundred small and big churches which have been torched.

The Citizen’s delegation, the first such to meet the President, was led by film maker Mahesh Bhatt and Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani, MP, National Integration Council member Dr John Dayal, Orissa Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, Delhi Archbishop Vincent Concessao, Maharashtra Government State Minorities Commission vice chairman Dr Abraham Mathai, Jamiat leader Mohd Faruqi, Al India Christian Council regional secretary Rev Madhu Chandra, Delhi Catholic Archdiocese Federation President Adv Jenis Francis and Mumbai’s Catholic Social Forum secretary general Joseph Dias were the other members.

The President gave the delegation a patient hearing and said she would have their demand for Article 355 examined. She said the government had briefed her on steps, which had already been taken. Mr. Bhatt told the President that the State government was in a coma; its police totally complicit in the violence and the Sangh Parivar was running havoc.

Maulana Madani said it was a matter of security of India’s minorities. It was India’s concern for its minorities that had brought it respect internationally, and it was the object of deep concern globally.

Archbishop Cheenath, Dr John Dayal and Dr Mathai briefed the President in detail about the Sangh violence in the state which has continued after the murder of the VHP vice President Lakshmanananda Saraswati.

Following are excerpts from the Memorandum Citizen’s Memorandum to the President of India:

September 1, 2008

Shrimati Pratibha Patil
The President of India

Your Excellency,

You are aware of the still continuing carnage against the Christian community, mostly Dalits and Tribals, in the Kandhamal district of Orissa and in several other districts including the state capital of Bhubaneswar since 23rd August 2003 following the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, reportedly by Maoist groups who have been operating in the state for some time. The violence has now spread to some other states, especially Madhya Pradesh.

Nine months after attacks in Kandhamal District on Christians of Dalit, Hill peoples and Tribal ethnicity celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we are deeply saddened by a repeat of the violence in the month of India’s Independence. The Christmas 2007 attacks claimed the lives of at least four Christians, and we verified the destruction of at least 105 churches and 730 Christian homes. The current spate of violence will exceed these totals as it continues to spread into other districts. Our estimate from Ground Zero is of close to two dozen people dead, one a Hindu girl burnt to death working for a Christian orphanage, a Nun has been gang raped, religious men and women personnel humiliated, beaten, tortured, some close to death, while policemen have looked on, or have been absent.

We appeal for the restoration of law and order. But the root cause must also be addressed.

We, the secular civil society community, perceive that the great nation of India is at a tipping point. The groups, which favour a “Hindu Rashtra”, have made Orissa their laboratory, as they earlier did Gujarat. The so-called saffronisation of the state has been the subject of well-documented academic and socio-political studies.

We entreat you, as President of the Republic, to enforce the rule of law upon Sangh Parivar organisations which blatantly flaunt their divisive agenda. Specifically, we call upon you to bring the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, and Bajrang Dal under the rule of law.

As Orissa authorities have repeatedly said there was ample circumstantial evidence of Maoist involvement in the killing of VHP leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four others on August 23rd.

Additionally, someone who identified himself as Azad, a leader of Maoist outfit, People's Liberation Guerrilla Army claim responsibility for the killing as Times of India carries the news on August 30 referring to an interview with a leading Oriya daily on August 29.[1] Yet Praveen Togadia, VHP general secretary, told an international journalist on August 27, “It is clear that the church killed the Swami.”[2] Gouri Prasad Rath, Orissa state VHP secretary, said, “This attack is the handiwork of the Christians.”[3] Subhash Chavan, national co-convener of the Bajrang Dal, said, “The police are trying to hide the truth by blaming the Maoists.”[4] An unnamed RSS spokesperson said, “This is an attack by the agents of Christian missionaries, whose attempts at forcible conversions the Swamiji countered.”[5] RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav told CNN IBN on Tuesday night[6] that Christians were behind the murders. Perhaps based on a media report[7], Madhav The final word lay with RSS supreme Kupahalli Sudershan who in a Press Statement faxed to the Media called the late VHP vice President a martyr for “stopping Christians from carrying on coversions.”

These types of irresponsible statements must be met with the full force of the law. They are all culpable for penal action under IPC 295A for the crime of creating enmity between communities and religions. This would benefit not only Orissa, but the nation.

We sincerely wish Swami Saraswati was not murdered and he still might be alive if the state government had followed the recommendations of the National Commission for Minorities. The NCM urged the authorities to examine the speeches of Swami Lakshmanananda to determine whether they amount to incitement to violence.[8][9] We are confident that, if this had been done, the swami would have been jailed and protected from coming to any harm.

Your Excellency, the violence in Orissa continues without adequate police forces to stop mobs which break curfew and harm innocent civilians, chasing our fellow countrymen and women like animals in the forests where they have taken refuge since August 24. Today the irresponsible leaders of hardliner Hindu nationalist groups are damaging our great democracy and secularism of the nation.

We request you to order the Union Government and the State Administration to take legal action against the irresponsible organisations which called the bundh on Monday, Aug. 25, 2008 and have passively watched their members wreak havoc. They must, of course, fully investigate the murder of the VHP vice President.

This is to request you to use your powers as President of India, and the tremendous force of your good offices, to impress on the Central Government to rush adequate Union forces, including contingents of the Armed Forces if required, to restore law and order and governance in the Kandhamal region.

The consequences of any further delay, we the secular civil society fear, may be catastrophic for the small Christian community in the State in particular, for peace in Orissa in general, and for the fair name of India as a secular country.

Footnotes:

1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Maoists_claim_Orissa_killing/articleshow/3423908.cms

2. “Indian state erupts in violence after Hindu shot”, by Saeed Ahmed, CNN, Aug. 27, 2008.

3. “Orissa on edge, VHP scoffs at Maoist theory”, see above

4. “Orissa tragedy takes a backseat, hunt starts for scapegoat”, by Soumyajit Pattnaik, Hindustan Times, Aug. 25, 2008.

5. “Orissa: Bandh-related violence claims 9,” by Krishnakumar P., Rediff.com, Aug. 26, 2008.

6. “Blind Faith? Fragile Peace Blown to Bits”, CNN-IBN debate, Aug. 26, 2008, 10 p.m. IST.

7. “Widespread anger in Kandhamal”, The Pioneer, Aug. 25, 2008.

8. “This mischievous [VHP & Sangh Parivar anti-conversion] campaign has created an atmosphere of prejudice and suspicion against the Christian community and Christian priests and organizations. The role of the Sangh Parivar activists and the anti-conversion campaign in fomenting organized violence against the Christian Community deserves close scrutiny.” From “Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008”, http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf.

9. “The recommendation made by the NCM team that visited Orissa in January, 2008 that the State Government must look into the speeches of Swami Lakshmanananda to determine whether they amount to incitement to violence does not appear to have been acted upon.” From “Report on the Visit of the Vice Chairperson, NCM to Orissa, 21-24 April 2008”, http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/VC%20Tour%20Report%20of%20Orissa.pdf

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

FIACONA Prayer Vigil at the United Nations on 29th August

The Federation of Indian American Christian Organization of North America
110 Maryland Ave, NE, Suite# 306, Washington, DC, 20002 USA
Phone: 202-547-6228 www.fiacona.org, Email: bernardmalik@hotmail.com

Press Release

Prayer Vigil in front of United Nations on 29th August 2008

(30 Martyred, 10000 fled to the jungles, 400 plus injured and 100's village churches razed down and burnt in last 72 hours)

In the wake of unabated violence against Christians in Orissa, FIACONA has called in solidarity with the suffering Christians a day of prayer on 29th August.
The Catholic Church is closing all its institutions in India on 29th to protest the burning alive of Christians and destruction of Christian institutions. In expression of our solidarity and to support our grieving community in India, FIACONA will observe prayer vigil in front of the United Nations from 12pm to 3pm. At the end of vigil a memorandum will be handed over to the Secretary General of the United Nations. There are innumerable incidents where Christians are assaulted, humiliated, paraded half-naked, beaten up, their limbs mutilated, tortured, burnt alive, nuns gang raped and even murdered. There are about 123 incidents in Orissa in last 72 hours alone and 143 incidents of violence against peace-loving Christians in the state of Karnataka. All the Christians of India and the world are in extreme shock and profound grief, over these brutal and heartless events happening against Christians in Orissa. Being a forever peace-loving and religious tolerant community, Christians are remaining mute spectators to these intensely inhuman and barbaric acts. But the international community is taking note and thus a lot of negative publicity is also being generated.

Christians of India and all over the world have full faith in dynamic, charismatic, and justice driven leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh. We are confident that as he has made India into one of the leading economies, he will also make it into one of the leading religious tolerant countries of the world. We look forward to him for guidance and leadership in this matter. As all these incidents happened, FIACONA is deeply concerned along with the entire Christian community of India. We request that necessary action may be immediately initiated to stop the inhuman atrocities being committed against Christians in Orissa and rest of the country.

For the favor of publication
Rev. Bernard Malik
302-354-5452

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

Ahmedabad Citizens Condemn Orissa Violence

CONCERN ON VIOLENT ATTACKS

ON

CHRISTIANS OF ORISSA

PRESS RELEASE

Several Concerned Citizens and Human Rights organizations of Gujarat held a meeting in Ahmedabad today (27th August 2008) to condemn the violent attacks on the Christian community of Orissa, following the brutal killing of the VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

The meeting strongly condemned the continuous attacks on Christian organizations and institutions by the VHP, Bajrang Dal, etc. and was of the view that the Government of Orissa has totally failed in protecting the lives and properties of the Christian Community. Looking to the prevalent situation of Orissa, the Constitutional machinery has absolutely failed in maintaining law and order in the State.

In view of this, the meeting unanimously passed the following resolutions:

1.. That the State of Orissa be placed under the control of army and President's Rule be imposed immediately.

2.. That the citizens who have fled into the jungles out of fear, should be brought back to their homes safely and that complete security be ensured to them.

3.. That all organizations who had declared the Orissa Bandh, and who have been directly involved in the violent attacks on Christians, should be declared as "terrorist" organizations and should be put under the same category of other banned organizations in the country, with immediate effect.

4.. That all the individuals and groups involved in violent attacks on Christians should be arrested and strictly dealt with in accordance with the law.

5.. That the brutal killing of Swami Laxmananda and his associates should be thoroughly and impartially investigated, and that the killers be punished in accordance with the law.

1.. Adv. S. H. Iyer
2.. Rohit Patel
3.. Saroop Dhruv
4.. Gautam Thaker
5.. Hiren Gandhi
6.. Adv. Bhushan
7.. Dwarikanath Rath
8.. Shamshul Pathan
9.. Joseph Dominic
10.. Kiran Desai
11.. Kishore
12.. S. Pandey
13.. Deepika R.
14.. Simon F. Parmar
15.. Edwin Masihi
16.. Beena Macwan
17.. D. Ramakrishnan
18.. Fr. Varghese Paul sj
19.. Digant Oza
20.. Paul D'Souza sj
21.. Piyush
22.. Manjula Lavji
23.. John D'Souza
24.. Ashok Singh
25.. Iqbal Baig
26.. Prasad Chacko
27.. Waqar Qazi
28.. Mary Paul
29.. Bhavna Ramrakhiani
30.. Sheba George
31.. Fr. Francis Parmar sj
32.. Ashok Naik
33.. Fr. Vinayak Jadav sj
34.. Lona Pinto
35.. Fr. Ishanand sj
36.. E. Shailaja Pillai
37.. Sophia Khan
38.. Freeda Coelho
39.. Pravin Bhikadira
40.. Chetana Vyas
41.. Jigna Joshi
42.. Harsh Jadav
43.. Fr. Cedric Prakash sj
44.. Kaushik Raval
45.. Nafisa Barot
46.. Veronica D'Souza
47.. Hanif Lakdawala
48.. R. Vasantha

27th August 2008

Christian Institutions to Remain Closed Aug 29, 2008

GUJARAT UNITED CHRISTIAN FORUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Bishop's House
Mirzapur
Ahmedabad -380 001
Gujarat, India

28th August, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

TO REMAIN CLOSED

ON

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29th 2008

The Christian community has strongly denounced the killing of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and his associates in Orissa. However, inspite of the fact that the Christians were not involved in this heinous act, there are several incidents of Christians being attacked and killed and their properties being destroyed all over the State.

Therefore, in keeping with a decision taken by the National United Christian Forum representing all major Church denominations (including CBCI, NCCI and EFI Churches), all Christian Schools, Colleges and other Educational Institutions will remain closed on Friday, 29th August 2008, in protest against the violent attacks on the Christian community in Orissa and in other parts of India.

Further, all Christian Churches will be organizing special prayer services for the victims of the Orissa violence and for peace, on Sunday, 31st August and Sunday, 7th September 2008.

There is also a plan to organize a public rally on Tuesday, 2nd September.

The Christian community of Gujarat, appeals to the Central Government and to the Government of Orissa to take strong measures against those responsible for the violence in the State and to ensure that communal harmony and peace is restored immediately.

+ Bishop Thomas Macwan
Bishop of Ahmedabad

Goa Archdiocese Expresses Solidarity with Orissa Victims

The following is the approved English translation from the original Konkani, of the Circular Letter sent by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao to all the Parish Priests of the Archdiocese:

CIRCULAR LETTER

To the Priests, Religious, Lay Faithful and People of good will

(Approved English version of the Circular Letter No. CP-Cir/202/2008
written originally in Konkani language)

Theme: Violence in the State of Orissa

Dearly Beloved,

The happenings taking place these days in Orissa cannot but cause concern. VHP leader, Swami Lakshananda Saraswati and four of his companions were shot at and murdered in their Ashram and, since then, Christian individuals and institutions are being targeted and destroyed.

The Catholic Bishops in India have expressed their sorrow and registered their protest over the killing of the Swami and the ensuing spate of violence and asked for prayers for peace; together with them, we too expressed our feelings over these events: you will have read this on the newspapers.

However, there is no guarantee that these chilling events will end soon and there do not seem to be signs that this communally disturbed atmosphere will be cleared easily. Some organizations in Orissa are laying the blame on the Christian Community, thus fanning the anti-Christian communal flame across the State. This has resulted, among other acts of violence, in the tragic burning to death of a woman working at an orphanage and of a paralytic man in his own house. Two priests and a few religious women were also seriously injured. Some priests and nuns have gone into hiding.

We cannot remain indifferent in such a situation. We need to express our solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are going through untold suffering. It is with this in mind that we have planned to take the following initiatives in our Archdiocese:

All Catholic educational institutions in the Archdiocese shall remain closed on August 29.

September 7, Sunday, will be observed as a day of prayer and fasting.

A signature campaign will be organized to express our condemnation.

Protest Rallies will be held in a couple of places in Goa. More details will follow.

In view of the situation in Orissa, we appeal urgently to our Priests, Religious men and women, Christian faithful and all women and men of good will to express their solidarity with those who are suffering so grievously and, through their prayers for peace and communal harmony, to help these programmes meet with success.

Archbishop's House, Panjim, Goa, August 27, 2008.

Sd/-
+ Filipe Neri Ferrão
Archbishop of Goa and Daman

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.

Vatican Deplores Orissa Violence

Two Downloadable Audio Stories from Vatican Radio.

1. Anti-Christian Violence Rocks Orissa, India
Download Link: http://62.77.60.84/audio/ra/00127342.RM (314 KB)

2. Vatican Deplores Anti-Christian Violence in India
(26 Aug 08 - RV) A Statement from the Press Office released today in response to recent deadly episodes of anti-Christian violence in India, the Holy See deplores the actions of extremists, expresses solidarity with the local Churches in the country and appeals for a return to a climate of dialogue and mutual respect. The President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran has condemned the attacks, as well. We have this report...
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Orissa Church Condemns Swami's Murder

Orissa Church Condemns The Brutal Murder Of Swami Laxmananda

BALASORE, AUG. 26, 2008, 15.00 Hrs (CBCI News):

The Catholic Community in Orissa was once again terribly shocked by the brutal murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his close associates. A series of massacres of religious personnel in recent years had left State in anguish, fear and anxiety. In a sensational incident Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his associates have been shot dead attack at around 9 PM on 23rd August, at Jalaspotta Ashram, in Tumudi Bandh area in the tribal dominated district of Kandhamal in Southern Orissa on Saturday night. We, the Catholic community in Orissa deeply condemn the barbarous incident and deeply sympathize with the near and dear ones of the deceased.

Condemning the killing, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Thomas Thiruthalil C.M, D.D the Chairman of OCBC (Orissa Catholic Bishops’ Conference) asked the people to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of the killing of Swami Laxmananda The church in Orissa condemns the brutal murder of Swami Laxmananda. The church believes the strong Legislature of our democratic Nation and that the law and order will take its course in right time.

There has been incidents of antisocial and communal disturbances in the State. The Church is shocked and deeply saddened by this barbarous killing which is the outcome of a growing climate of intolerance and violence against peace and harmony in the State. It is time that we the people of Orissa in spite of the differences of caste, creed and cultures work together for the peace, harmony, tolerance, and solidarity among us all.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Thiruthalil C.M, D. D
Chairman – OCBC &
Bishop of Balasore

EFI Denounces Swami's Killing

EFI Condemns Killing of Orissa Hindu Nationalist Leader; Prays for Peace

Aug 25, 2008

Monday, August 25, 2008: Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) denounces the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and his four associates by suspected Maoists in Orissa state’s Kandhamal district on August 23.

While deeply saddened by the week-long spate of attacks that hit Kandhamal district during last Christmas , EFI, as a representative of the evangelical church in India, stands against every act of violence and terrorism.

EFI also regrets that vested interests among the various Hindu nationalist groups are trying to blame local Christians for the act, as reflected in the acts of vandalism and arson reported from Kandhamal after the attack on Saraswati’s ashram.

EFI appeals to the central, state and district authorities to take all possible measures to maintain peace and calm in Kandhamal. EFI also calls for the Christian community in India and abroad to pray for protection of the Christians in Kandhamal and other parts of Orissa.

EFI also solicits letters, faxes and phone calls by concerned people to the state and central officials, whose details are given below.


Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
Room No. 152,
South Block,
New Delhi, 110001

(O) Tel : +91-11-23012312
(O) Fax: +91-11-23016857


Shri Navin Patnaik
Chief Minister of Orissa
Naveen Nivas,
Aerodrome Road,
P.O.-Bhubaneswar,
District-Khurda,
Pin-751001 (Orissa)

(O) Tel: +91-0674-2531100, 2535100, 2531500
(O) Fax: +91-674-2400100
(R) Tel: +91-0674-2590299, 2591099,2590844,2591100,2590833
Email:cmo@ori.nic.in


Superintendent of Police
Kandhamal District

(O) Tel: +91-6842-253610
(R) Tel: +91-6842-253611


Rev. Dr. Richard Howelll
General Secretary
Evangelical Fellowship of India
New Delhi, India

Evangelical Fellowship of India (established 1951) is a charter member of World Evangelical Alliance, an accredited NGO with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

Prashant Condemns Swami's Killing, Violence

Prashant. A Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace
Post Box No. 4050, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat, India
Tel. : +91 (079) 66522333, 2745 5913
Fax : +91 (079) 2748 9018
Mobile : 9824034536. e-mail : sjprashant@gmail.com
www.humanrightsindia.in

STATEMENT CONDEMNING

THE

KILLINGS AND VIOLENCE IN ORISSA

We condemn the killing of Swami Saraswati and four of his associates during the attack on the VHP Ashram in the Kandhamal District of Orissa on Saturday 23rd August 2008.

We sympathize with the bereaved members of the families who have lost their loved ones.

We call upon the Orissa and the Central Governments to do all in their power to bring to book immediately, those responsible for this dastardly act; that anti-social elements do not take law and order into their own hands and above all, to ensure that peace and calm prevail in the area, and in other parts of Orissa.

Violence, for whatever the provocation, is non-acceptable, and will definitely not help achieve the goals for which these acts are committed. We therefore call upon all those responsible for these acts and to eschew violence immediately.

No violence can be justified, for whatever the reason. However, for the last several months, the Government of Orissa has allowed some fascist and fundamentalist forces to terrorize the poor, the marginalized and the minorities of the State. These forces have carried on their virulent propaganda and their violent acts with apparent immunity.

There has been a total abdication of responsibility by the Government of Orissa and the concerned authorities, like the police. They should now also be held totally responsible for these deaths and for allowing the situation to go out of control.

Sufficient warning has been given to the Orissa Government, of the deteriorating situation, as early as in September 2006, with the publication of "Communalism in Orissa" - the Report of the Indian People's Tribunal on Environment and Human Rights - headed by Justice K. K. Usha (Retd.) former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.

It may still not be too late to ensure that the Constitutional Rights and Freedoms of the people of Orissa are not merely guaranteed by also protected by the State.

Fr. Cedric Prakash sj
Director

25th August 2008

AICC Condemns Violence, Swami's Killing

All India Christian Council
A-8, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi 110045,
Telefax: 011 28042194, Email: aiccdelhi@gmail.com,
www.indianchristians.in

For Immediate Release

Christians Condemn Violence, Killing of VHP leader; Hope Peace Will Be Maintained in Orissa

New Delhi, August 24, 2008 (All India Christian Council)

The All India Christian Council is deeply concerned at the attack on an ashram near Tumudibandh in Kandhamal District of Orissa last night in which the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four of his associates were killed.

This is the latest in a series of attacks over recent months by political extremists, often called Naxalites or Maoist guerillas, which have left dozens of policemen and others dead in several districts of Orissa.

Dr. Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary of Public Affairs, said, "The Christian community in India abhors violence, condemns all acts of terrorism, and opposes groups of people taking the law into their own hands. We have had major differences with Mr. Saraswati, the deceased VHP leader. It was the hate campaigns of the Sangh Parivar which led to untold misery for Christians -- including the unprecedented violence last Christmas in Orissa. But we wish peace to everyone and urge everyone to follow the rule of law."

According to media reports, the attack killed four people in addition to Saraswati. The attack involved shooting and hand grenade explosions. Saraswati was reportedly warned by the Maoists a few days prior to the incident to leave the area. (See CNN-IBN, Naxals attack ashram, kill 5 key VHP leaders in Orissa, Aug. 24, 2008)

Dr. John Dayal, aicc Secretary General, said, "We are concerned at reports of communal violence in the last few hours against innocent Christians in nearby districts. We've heard that at least one prayer hall in Sudergarh was burnt, the van of some Catholic nuns was destroyed, and the sisters were injured. We urgently appeal to the Chief Minister, the Governor of Orissa, and the Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Shivraj Patil to take whatever steps are required to maintain peace and harmony in all areas of Orissa, to prevent further attacks on Christians, and to arrest those responsible for the deaths of Saraswati and his associates."

Dr. P.R. Parichha, aicc Orissa state president, said, "The situation in the district was slowly returning to normal. People were engaged in rebuilding houses and settling down after a horrifying experience over Christmas 2007. Now we are afraid that the death of Saraswati will further destabilise the situation in the communally-sensitive Kandhamal district. The aicc will continue to work for peace in Orissa, one of the most undeveloped states in the country."

The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations,organizations, and lay leaders.

Release by

Sd/-
Mr. Madhu Chandra
Regional Secretary,
9868184939

CBCI Condemns Swami's Murder

CBCI condemns the murder of VHP Leader and Appeals for Peace in Orissa

PRESS RELEASE

August 24, 2008

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) expresses its deep regret on the attack of ashram near Tumudibandh in Kandhamal District of Orissa last night in which the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and five others were killed.

Orissa has been witnessing a series of Maoist attacks in the recent past and it is most deplorable that the outlaws targeted a religious leader who was held in high esteem by his followers.

His Eminence Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has denounced the murder of the VHP leader as an act of desperation by the outlaws in the State.

"We condemn the act of violence which claimed the lives of Swami Lakhsmananda Saraswati and some others at his Asharam. We are sad that a respected religious leader has allegedly been a victim of organized violence by the Maoists.

Equally deplorable is the act of vandalism and arson on the Christian institutions in Kandhmal District indulged by some misguided and unruly elements. We appeal to the people of Orissa to maintain calm at this hour of crisis and bring the tense situation to normal at the earliest so that people and institutions are protected and preserved. We also appeal to the State and Central Governments to take adequate measures to contain violence and to restore peace in the disturbed areas of Orissa."

Release to the press for publication

Rev Dr Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI

Abp Cheenath Condemns Swami's Killing

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF CUTTACK - BHUBABNESWAR
ARCHBISHOP'S HOUSE
9/16 SATYANAGAR
BHUBANESWAR – 751007
ORISSA, INDIA
Tel: (0674) 2575225, 2533614 Tel Fax: (0674) 2534097

PRESS RELEASE

24 August, 2008

I, the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, on behalf of the Christians of Orissa, particularly the catholic Christians, strongly condemn the dastardly attack and violent killing of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati and five of his associates. We the Christians abhor violence and condemn all acts of violence and terrorism and are against all groups of people taking the law into their own hands. We condole the death of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati, a religious leader and his associates. At this critical juncture I appeal to all for peace and communal harmony. We want good relationship with all the communities with whom we live.

We are also concerned at the immediate outbreak of communal violence against innocent Christians in nearby districts. Early reports suggest that least one prayer hall in Sundergarh District has been burnt and vehicle belonging to Daughters of the most Precious Blood has been burnt near G. Udayagir.

We urgently appeal to the Chief Minister and the Governor of Orissa and at the Indian Home Minister Mr. Shivraj Patil to take whatever steps are require to maintain peace and harmony in all areas of states, to prevent further attacks on Christians and to bring to book those responsible for the death of Lakshmanananda Saraswati and his associates.

We, therefore, strongly condemn the death of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati.

Most Rev. Raphael Cheenath, SVD
Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar
Released to the Media for publication/ telecast.