Orissa: More Christians Targeted

Orissa, India (map) has been the focal point of some horrific outbreaks of violence, particularly since last August.

Sadly, it's not over yet.

There are reports of 3 homes burned by mobs in the conflict-weary Kandhamal district.

For those unaware of the background, I will quote from an article from Voice of the Martyrs:

"Last year's anti-Christian violence was one of the reasons for the split between India's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Hindu extremist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); BJD was one of its oldest allies. According to the All India Christian Council (AICC), the 2008 anti-Christian violence killed nearly 60 people, including 2 pastors. Christians in over 300 villages were targeted; 4,400 houses were burned, and 50,000 people were left homeless. Nearly 20,000 individuals were injured in attacks, and two women were gang-raped; one of them was a nun. Hindu extremists now are forcing Christians in Orissa to vote for the fundamentalist party in elections beginning April 16." [emphasis mine]

Their circumstances have been dire. The relief camps have armed guards to protect the Christians seeking refuge there, but that will end in late June. There are reports of Christians being refused entry to their own villiages and homes unless they recant their faith and accept Hinduism.

I outline a more complete description of the violence and various helpful sources as links in these 2 blog posts here ("$250 to kill a pastor") and here ("Faithful unto death-- just last week!"). The history and nature of the group believed to be organizing the violence is described in this video.