Orissa Christians Told to 'Convert or Die'

Christians in Orissa state, the victims of the recent wave of communal violence are now being told to 'Covert or Die' by Hindu fanatics.

The ultimatum issued by the Hindu extremists has forced some Christians to abandon their religion altogether, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), Bangalore based Christian advocacy group reported.

"I am forced to convert to Hinduism whether I like or dislike, I cannot say further and my life is in danger," Promond Digal 32, who belong the epic–centre of the violence in Kandhamal district told GCIC.

A clash over a decorative arch for the Christmas celebrations on December 24 led to large–scale communal violence and attacks on churches throughout the district. Four people were confirmed death while 95 Churches and 730 houses were burnt down or destroyed, according to All India Christian Council (AICC).

Earlier, fact finding team from the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) of India has accused Hindu fundamentalists of perpetrating “organised and pre–planned attacks” on the Christian community. The commission pointed possible involvement of organizations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, RSS and their affiliates.

However, AICC and GCIC have openly alleged the mentioned organizations to be responsible for the attacks on Christians.

Though the anti–Christian violence seems to have subsided, GCIC said, "The fundamentalists are going to individual families with guns and threatening them to become Hindus," even in mid–January.

Christians who have converted to Hinduism expressed their helplessness about changing their religion.

Mr. B. Digal 60, from Gochhapada village said, "Fundamentalists came and threatened me and my family and said if you do not change your religion prepare to leave the village or die, there was no other way than to accept Hinduism."

Catholic Christian, Samonary Digal under K. Nuagam Block in Kandhamal District said, "The RSS people warned me to prepare to die or to leave the place if you do not become Hindu. Finally I had to accept what they say."

Social worker R. Nayak said, "25 Dalit families of Mahasingh village under K. Nuagam Block have been converted to Hinduism on 25th December. They were forced to drink mixed water of cow dung, ghee and perform the Hindu ritual."

"They live under threat and convert then. They live under danger and panic."

Another who did not want to disclose his name said, "If you can not be a Hindu we will finish you off and set fire your entire house. I and my family have left the faith but God will remain with us."

Meanwhile, Pastor Hari Digal died at a make–shift camp at Baliguda. He hails from Borika village, about 95 Km away from Phulbani town, headquarter of Kandhamal district. Pastor Hari’s church and house were burnt and destroyed on Dec 26.

Relief organisations including Christian NGOs are not yet allowed to go into the violent torn districts. Food distribution from the state government seems to be improving, GCIC reported.

In 1999, Hindu radicals burned alive Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons – Timothy 9 and Phillip 7 in Orissa. A Catholic priest Father Arul Doss of Balasore diocese was killed the same year.