Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – Justice and security: these are the main requests being made by the Christian community in Orissa to the central government, two months following the outbreak of anti-Christian violence, as Christmastime nears.
Although the Church in Orissa had announced that the Masses would continue as previously scheduled in the parishes, on Christmas morning and afternoon, over 50,000 Christians – men, women, and children – may have to celebrate it as refugees, hidden in the forest or crowded in refugee camps, fearing for their lives. These, in fact, have been afraid to return to their homes (many of which have been destroyed or illegally appropriated by Hindu fundamentalists), for fear of more violence and threats. According to reports from the local Church, in Orissa 4,500 Christian homes have been burned and there are 300 villages where the presence of Christians has been completely wiped out, in terms of persons and buildings.
The fear of the Christians is justified by the continued public threats and provocations carried out by Hindu fundamentalists in recent days, saying that on December 25 they will hold a imposing manifestation to protest against the government in Orissa that, according to them, is guilty for not pinpointing those responsible for the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananada Saraswati. The death of the leader was the spark that set off the violence being carried out by the Hindu fundamentalists, who have unjustly accused the Christians of the murder.
The Hindu fundamentalists have also firmly opposed the announcement made by the government of Orissa that they plan to begin a fund for re-building churches destroyed by the wave of violence. The extremists have protested and threatened to carry out more violence in the state, if this plan is followed through.
The “reign of terror” is still being lived in Orissa, local sources have told Fides, along with a general state of impunity, given that the anti-Christian “Hindutva” has infiltrated even the bureaucracy and law enforcement officers.
Thus, the Christian community does not cease to ask that the federal government in India protect and defend freedom of conscience and religion. The requests have been heard by a delegation of high-ranking officers in the Indian government, who have recently gone to visit Orissa. The delegation was composed of the Ministers of Agriculture, Tribal Affairs, and Social Justice who, observing the gravity of the situation, have promised to bring peace to the troubled area. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2008)
