Christians forced to return to villages, 2 more deaths: Orissa

Victims of anti-Christian violence in Orissa's Kandhamal district are forced to return to their villages by the state administration, claimed a local Christian body.

Kandhamal Christian Jankalyan Samaj (KCJS), at a media conference alleged that the administration have been forcing people to leave the relief camps even as little has been done to assist the reconstruction or repairing of their houses.

They lamented that people still feel "insecure" in their villages, even three months after violence erupted on August 23.

Moreover, continual threats from Hindu fundamentalists demanding "re-conversions to Hinduism", has frightened the Christians, who are unwilling to return, they say.

KCJS Spokesman N Dinabandhu claimed that police was yet to arrest the culprits involved in murder of people at Tiangia village which recorded at least nine killings.

"Under such situation, how can people return to their villages", he said, adding, innocent Christians should not be punished by observing a bandh on the ensuing Christmas Day.

KCJS has also decided to approach the court of law against the bandh called by the Sangh Parivar on December 25, which they speculate will trigger fresh violence on its community.

During a meeting with Union Ministers in Orissa, Christian leaders in a memorandum had earlier requested the politicos to call the bandh illegal.

Demanding adequate security for Christian worship places and institutions, the memorandum even urged to check the forced re-conversions occurring in the state. It urged the state to punish those people or organisations involved in such actions.

Last week, the Evangelical Fellowship of India reported that suspected Hindu extremists attacked a Christian office and set ablaze their vehicle in Gajapath, Orissa.

"The assailants stormed the India Gospel Outreach and Social Action (IGOSA) office and assaulted the director Rev. Niranjan Bardha before completely burning down the organization vehicle," its statement said.

Orissa ruled by a coalition of a local party, the Biju Janata Dal, and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which has a close ties with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, has more on its list for the atrocities committed on Christians.

Christian Today learned that a woman identified as Lalita Digal (45) was murdered on November 25 in Dobali village, Kandhamal district.

"The Christian woman who was staying in the relief camp went to the village to harvest the paddy on November 21. She was staying at her friend's place, while she was allegedly dragged out from the house and murdered," we were told.

Another victim, Leunsio Digal died due to lack of proper medication in the Daringbadi camp on November 24. He had an unattended fever for a week. Digal was a catechist for 25 years under Simonbadi parish, Archdiocese of Cuttack- Bhubaneswar.

Our correspondents were informed that the relief camps in the district lack of all basic amenities, including pure drinking water. While no medical doctors are available round the clock, the Pharmacists are treating patients, GCIC said.

Christian leaders claim, violence in Orissa continues unabated as more pastors and Churches fall victims to the "false allegations of forced conversions."

The assassination of a Hindu leader on August 23 triggered violence on Christians in Orissa. Ignoring claims of responsibility by the Maoists, Hindu fundamentalists accused Christians for the slaying of the Swami and four of his aides.