Kandhamal victims share their terrifying moments: Bangalore

At least twenty-four women, mostly those who lost their spouses in the recent violence on Christians in Orissa, have traveled to Bangalore to celebrate a jovial Christmas.

The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), an advocacy group based in Bangalore, took the initiative to bring these women, to share their love and experiences in the face of murder and burning in the hot spot state of Orissa.

GCIC President Sajan K George said: "In spite of extreme persecution and personal loss of loved ones these heroines continue to uphold Christ-like character without any feeling of hatred but prayer for forgiveness and change of heart for the perpetrators."

The pre-Christmas celebration that was held at the United Theological College in southern Bangalore saw tearful testimonies joined by music and traditional dance by the natives. Among them was a 10-year-old Namrata who suffered 40% burnt injuries in a bomb attack during the communal clashes.

Asmitha Digal shared, the attackers entered her house and poured kerosene on her mother-in-law before alighting the place. "Then they turned to my husband and asked if he would convert to Hinduism. He refused and had to face the wrath," she said.

Kadamphul Nayak narrated how her family was attacked in a church. "They torched our houses. We fled and many ran to the safety of the forest. My husband too tried to escape and hid in a field. But the attackers found him and killed him,'' she said.

Says George the women did not get any compensation from the government as they lost their identity documents when their houses were burnt. Their children also do not attend schools. They stay at relief camps now, he said.

According to the Christian, a total of 106 complaints from Karnataka since January 2008 have been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

In addition, an estimated 10,000 people have been named in 746 cases lodged during the August Kandhamal violence in Orissa.