Continued violence against Christians in Orissa

May 01, 2014

Six years after an anti-Christian pogrom in the eastern Indian state of Orissa left several dozen dead and drove 50,000 from their homes, Hindu radicals destroyed a Catholic survivor’s rebuilt home, according to the India Christian Activist Network.

The state is now officially known as Odisha.

Three men were arrested and then released for destroying the home of Praful Digal, a Catholic who lives in the Kandhamal district, the epicenter of the 2008 violence.

A rector of a minor seminary near Digal’s village told the Fides news agency that the incident “shows that these groups are strong and determined to keep Christians out of the country.”

“Christians continue to lead a terrible life in Kandhamal district,” said Father Pradosh Kumar Nayak.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Kandhamal: Home torched. Police release 3 arrested (India Christian Activist Network)
• Intimidation and abuse of Christians in Orissa: homes destroyed, faithful thrown out (Fides)
• Kill Christians and Destroy Their Institutions (Catholic World Report, 2008)