Thursday, August 28, 2008:HYDERABAD, INDIA (ANS)

Reports from eastern India of burning Christian homes, murdered pastors, and massive destruction of Christian property continued for a sixth day. All India Christian Council (aicc) leaders in Orissa state reported 17 Christians are dead and expect the figure to rise when communication is made with remote regions.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008:Carnage Continues in Orissa: Reports of 150 Houses and 20 Churches Destroyed as Government Inaction Leads to Questions of Complicity

ORISSA STATE, INDIA (ANS) -- Sources within the Indian state of Orissa say that anti-Christian violence continues with little to no response from the government.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008:HYDERABAD, INDIA (ANS)

Violent attacks against Christians in the eastern state of Orissa continued 5th day. The Christian leaders across denominations are calling for Christian educational institutions to peacefully protest by closing schools on Friday. In positive news, a key appeal was won in the Orissa High Court this afternoon to protect victims and restore order.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008: NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS)

At least 18 people are confirmed dead in 92 incidents of violence against Christians since suspected Maoists murdered Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others on Saturday (Aug. 23) in Orissa state, says Compass News Direct (CND).

Tuesday, August 27, 2008: Orissa: Where has governance gone?

The murder last Saturday of senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Laxmananand Saraswati and four of his disciples in Orissa’s Kandhamal district is a matter of concern, just as any such horrible crime perpetrated against any group of people would be. But the Naveen Patnaik government appears to have come up with nothing so far. Instead, it watched helplessly as the Hindutva affiliates, including the BJP, a partner in the coalition government in the state, the RSS, VHP and others, went on a rampage on Monday in seeking to enforce a protest bandh call given by them. They held the entire state to ransom and specifically targeted the Christian community, although fingers in the Saraswati murder case have been pointed at the Naxalites who appear to have a free run in the state. Five people, including a paralysed man and a 20-year-old girl, an orphanage assistant who could have been a nun, were burnt to death. The others died of asphyxia when their village huts were torched. Churches were set on fire. As saffron activists sought to impose their statewide shutdown, thousands of vehicles were damaged and hundreds set ablaze. All life was brought to a standstill, and the state virtually brought to its knees. It appeared that the Hindutva fanatics had obtained the licence to create mayhem.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008: KANDHAMAL DISTRICT, ORISSA STATE, INDIA (ANS)

A Christian human rights organization today condemned the murder of Hindu leader Swami Lakhmananda Saraswati on Saturday, and the “horrific” attacks which have been launched against the Christian community by Hindu extremists subsequently.