Kandhamal tense: Christians blamed for Swami’s murder, fear backlash

Prominent VHP leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati accused of instigating the December 2007 Christmas violence that burnt 80 churches and displaced over 3000 Christians was reportedly killed in a Naxal attack on Saturday.

Although the government held Maoists responsible for the killings, the pro–Hindu organisations (VHP, BJP, Shiv Sena) blamed Christians for the incident.

"Christians have killed Swamiji. We will give a befitting reply," VHP state general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said, demanding a high–level probe and ban on churches in Kandhamal.

"We would be forced to opt for violent protests if action is not taken against the killers," Rath warned.

Fear has already gripped the Christian community in the state who speculate the event would be misjudged and more large–scale attacks will be carried on against their members.

Meanwhile churches and Christian organisations were quick in issuing a press release condemning the heinous murder and extending condolences to the family forthwith the naxal attack hit the headlines.

Dr. Sam Paul, All India Christian Council (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.”

Alleging that news of communal violence against innocent Christians in nearby districts have already been reported, the organisation Secretary General, Dr. John Dayal, said, "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."

Dayal who is also a member of the National Integration Council, urged the Chief Minister and government dignitaries to take necessary steps required to maintain peace and harmony and to prevent further attacks on Christians.

The police have even confirmed that churches and prayer halls were attacked at some places. "There were reports of attacks on religious places. We are keeping a strict vigil," a spokesperson said.

The state government on Sunday even suspended two officials, including a Superintendent of Police, in the wake of the killings.

BJP state leader Suresh Pujari who demanded a thorough inquiry into the murder said Laxmanananda had no enmity with Maoists and that he was killed for opposing religious conversion in various parts of the state. "Those opposed to Swamiji's anti–conversion activities killed him," he said.

In a report to Christian Today, Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), General Secretary Dr. Richard Howell, denounced the killing and said, “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,” it added.

Pastor Shukla Vikram who bore the brunt of 2007 Kandhamal violence and whose church was a victim of extreme vandalism told Christian Today, “The sporadic incidents happened last December during our Christmas celebrations still remain in my mind. I saw a mob of over 500 seethed with anger, ready to do anything. Over 600 Christian homes were burnt in those pre–planned attacks.”

“For sure, I do not want another Kandhamal story recorded in our history books. Hence I request the intervention of global Christian community against these incidents, and for their valuable prayers for the restoration of peace,” he added.

In spite of the administration imposing curfew in parts of the district, Sangh Parivar members have declared a bandh on Monday. Thousands of policemen have been deployed to maintain peace.