ASIA/INDIA - Violence against Christians in Orissa; Bishops’ appeal to authorities

Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) – As the ad hoc Committee established to investigate the violence committed against Christians in Orissa in December 2007 concludes its initial phase of work, with meetings and testimonies, fundamentalist groups and leaders continue to cause violence. The government needs to take preventative measures in stopping those who promote violence and aggression against defenseless populations, whose only crime is belonging to a religious minority. This was what was stated by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Cuttack-Bhubabeswar, the Diocese where violence broke out six months ago (see Fides 29 and 30/1/2008)
As Agenzia Fides was informed by local Church sources, the Archbishop has sent an appeal to the Investigation Committee itself, the Governor of Orissa, and to the public, civil, and religious authorities, in hopes of indicating and stopping those leaders that ignite the violence, and who are therefore responsible for the unfounded aggressions that have recently been repeated against persons and Christian buildings in the area (see Fides 9/7/2008).
“Speaking on behalf of the victims,” the Archbishop said, having been heard by the Committee, “we ask that justice be made for all those victims of the incidents, regardless of their religion. We do not look upon the religious pertinence of the victims, but we see them as victims of the same violence, taking every necessary step in assuring justice for them.”
All analysts agree on the need for police reinforcements in the area, to protect lives, houses, and property of all citizens. The Christians, various civil and religious leaders, as well as large groups of Hindu citizens have spoken out against the public appeal made by fundamentalist leader Shri Nischalananda Sararswati, calling on the Hindu people “to take arms and take to the streets,” for an authentic civil war. “His words are appalling and go against the harmony and peace of Orissa, as well as the peaceful stance of many Hindu leaders,” the Archbishop pointed out, explaining that he will continue working, along with the entire Catholic community in Orissa, for peace, reconciliation, and harmonious coexistence among the various religious communities in the Indian state. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/7/2008)