Sep 3, 2008 / 17:08 pm
Contrary to an earlier report by Fides, the outbreak of anti-Christian violence in India is not lessening. Some Christian converts victimized by extremist Hindu attacks in the Indian state of Orissa are now being forced to return to Hinduism and attack their Christian churches. The violence has prompted Sister Nirmala, head of the Missionaries of Charity, to urge the country to “put down the weapon of hatred and violence and put on the armor of love.”
As of Monday, it was reported that a church was destroyed by fire in Mondasore, under Raikia Block. Two Christians were killed in the fire. A convent, two hostels and 82 houses were also burned, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India reports on its web site.
Mobs of extremists have also destroyed ten prayer halls in Kundra in the Jayapur district and attacked and looted five villages in Tikabali Block. A Rapid Action Force has been deployed to several places in the area of Kandhamal with specific instructions to “shoot on sight,” but the violence has continued.
Shri Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Orissa, has assured India’s Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the violence would be brought under control.