Orissa Attacks Expand Across India

The violence against Christians in Orissa State has continued following the assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Sarawati on August 23. VOM sources report the death toll of Christians has reached 42. Meanwhile relief camps in Orissa have been targeted by extremists attempting to poison water supplies. Six Christians became ill in a relief camp in the town of Rakia after drinking poisoned water and there have been reports of similar attempts in other state camps. Several reports of Christians being threatened with violence if they refuse to convert to Hinduism have also been received. Meanwhile, VOM sources report attacks against Christians are expanding to other states. On September 7, in Madhya Pradesh state, the 86-year-old St. Bartholomew Church building was burned down in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. Although the church watchman has accepted blame for the arson attack, local Christians argue that the police are protecting the Hindu extremist groups.

In Kolar district, Karnataka state, Hindu extremists stormed into another church building tore up Bibles, hymnals and curtains, and beat several church members present. The extremists seized the pastor and took him to a nearby temple where he was pressured into observing Hindu rituals. He was released only after he gave the attackers a written declaration stating that he would not return to the village or continue any church activities. Pray that Christians under attack will know God's care and provision. Pray for Christians to be strong in the face of pressure to deny Christ. Pray that the international community will voice deep concern for the Christians in India who are being persecuted for their faith.

Source: The Voice of the Martyrs