News Entry

Sectarian violence in Orissa

Date Posted: Saturday 30 August 2008

We have received a disturbing report from Fr Jagat Santra concerning sectarian violence, resulting in death, serious injury and destruction of property, in the Orissa district of eastern India.  Fr Jagat is a former assistant priest of Old Saint Paul’s, and is co-founder of the Olive Branch mobile dispensary in Orissa, which is supported by Old Saint Paul’s.

Fr Jagat writes: “A wave of violence against Christians in Orissa state started on 24 August which has rendered many homeless and about 17 people dead so far. Presently most towns of Kondhmal highlands are under curfew. Also among the dead are some Hindus, from police firing. Four hundred houses belonging to Christians are burned down. Many churches were vandalised and some were completely destroyed. Over sixty instances of violence have been reported during these last days. Many Christians have fled to the jungle to save their lives. The population of the district is about 600,000 and Christians comprise about 150,000.

“This is the second wave of violence after the so-called Christmas persecution. On Christmas Eve last December Hindu extremists had attacked Christian houses and places of worship in the Kondhmal district which apparently started over land dispute. The present incident was triggered by the killing of a Swami, a Hindu religious head who has been spearheading the hate campaign against Christians.

“By tonight things look relatively calm as curfew is clamped on the district and shoot-at-sight order was issued in many places. I am in contact with friends and OLIVE members and we strongly feel that we should get involved in helping the victims in relief and rehabilitation. I appeal to OSP friends to consider helping in this situation with prayer and support. Presently all routes to Kondhmal are sealed by the police so no outside help can reach immediately. We have to wait till things return to ‘normal’. Meanwhile please do pray for these suffering Christian brothers and sisters.”

We are glad to report that Fr Jagat and his family are safe, as are the Olive Branch workers. We ask you to include Orissa in your prayers at this time.

The following links contain further information:

Church Times
The Times of India
BBC News
The Indian Express

Category: General

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