INDIA: GUJARAT AND ORISSA PREFIGURE INDIAN CRISIS

A violent anti-Christian Hindu pogrom erupted in Orissa (northeast India) on 23 August that has claimed dozens of lives, including that of a 20-year-old nun burned to death in an orphanage. Numerous others have been injured, many seriously, including another young nun who was pack raped. Casualties are mounting daily in the wake of ethnic-religious cleansing.

1. Karnataka: Hindu fanaticism is fast spreading its tentacles and reaching out to other States too.

EFI correspondent in Banglaore Rev. Noel Kotian reports, today during the worship service several churches belonging to New Life, Roman Catholics and CSI are attacked. The places are Belthangadi, Modanthiar, Moodabidri, Kodikal, Tokottu, and many in Mangalore. The Catholic church called Milagres was attacked statue of Jesus and St Joseph were smashed to pieces. In all 8 churches of New Life Fellowship, 4 churches of Roman Catholics, 1 of CSI are attacked. The worshippers were beaten. Men, women and even children were beaten and Bibles burned.

Another case of church being burnt and destroyed came into limelight from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning of September 7, 2008.

Barthlomew Protestant Church in Ratlam was brought to ashes when some unidentified people set fire to the church. The fire damaged the Holy Cross and other furniture besides completely gutting all official records. Once a historic stone walled 90 year old church is now a heap of burnt furniture.

1. On 24th of August Pastor Jeebaratna Lima from Khurda District, was attacked and beaten up mercilessly. The miscreants doused petrol on him and about to set him on fire but timely arrival of Police saved his life. He was in Police custody but later was released on bail next day.

National United Christian Forum (NUCF) denounces the communal violence that has erupted over the gruesome murder of a VHP leader and four others in Kandhamal district allegedly by Maoist groups. While condemning the dastardly act of murder we appeal to one and all to maintain communal harmony and peace.

By HARI KUMAR and HEATHER TIMMONS

Published: September 3, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/world/asia/04christians.html

TIANGIA, India — Those who came to attack Christians here early last week set their trap well, residents say.