India update 9-17-08

NEW DELHI, September 16 (Compass Direct News) – A policeman was killed today, the body of another victim of Hindu extremist violence was discovered and more houses and churches were burned in Orissa state’s Kandhamal district even as anti-Christian violence spread to at least five more states across India over the weekend. Christians and churches were targeted in Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand following violence in Orissa that began following the assassination of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples in Kandhamal district on August 23. A mob of around 500 rioters today killed a policeman and burned down a police station in Orissa’s Kandhamal district, where Hindu extremists launched a spate of attacks three weeks ago blaming local Christians of killing Saraswati and his disciples. Maoists have claimed responsibility for the murders of the Hindu leaders. While the body of another person was found and at least 14 houses were burned on Sunday night (Sept. 14), a church and several houses were set ablaze on the previous day. Authorities found the body of Purander Naik, who had fled to a relief camp where mainly Christians had taken refuge, in his village of Nilungia. “Naik was at the G. Udayagiri relief camp for over 10 days but had left for his village to see the condition of his house and poultry,” The Statesman reported. “His family was at the relief camp. Apparently he was killed during his visit to the village.”
Wed, 17/09/2008 - 2:10pm St. George Catholic Church at Uire in Belthangady - Karnataka damaged
The Diocese of Belthangady, comprising of Bishop, Priests, Religious and the lay faithful, is greatly shocked, disturbed and deeply pained at desecration of our St.George Church at Ujire today(17th morning) at around 5.00 am. The miscreants entered the church by breaking the lock of front door and burned the Bible, prayer books putting on the Beme table and destroyed crucifix, statues and holy icons. They have thrown away our most holy tabernacle where we keep Blessed Sacrament. Kerosene was poured on carpets inside the church to set fire. By the Providence of God the church is not burnt.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
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Wed, 17/09/2008 - 12:19pm Catholic church attacked and desecrated in Kolar- Karnataka
Mary Immaculate conception church, Kolar , about 40 km from Bangalore, was attacked on the morning of 17th September 2008. The grotto was damaged and the church was desecrated. The parish priest, Fr. Doraiswamy, was away on retreat at the time.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
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Tue, 16/09/2008 - 9:31pm Situation remains tense in Mangalore
Mangalore : The situation continued to remain tense but under control in the troubled areas of Mangalore where violence erupted after attacks on churches and prayer halls by suspected Hindu activists, police said on Tuesday.A bandh called by 'Sriram Sena' to protest stabbing of one of its activists yesterday evoked good response in the area as most of the shops, business establishments, schools and colleges remained closed today, what is believed to be a turf war between various radical hindu organisations.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
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Tue, 16/09/2008 - 8:06pm Carmel convent watchman shot at Ujjain in MP
Five Unidentified persons shoots watchman at Carmel Convent in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.Ujjain : (17 / 09 / 09), a group of five persons came with Air Guns to the caramel convent in Banduha village under the Ghatia Police station area in Ujjain district , Madhya Pradesh, around 01.30 am on Tuesday. Amar Singh , the watchman was shot at three places. He is out of danger. He said , "the culprits asked me to call the sisters but I told them that they are out of station. They beat me and asked me to cry loud so that sisters would come out. They shot me with air gun when I disobeyed and went away."
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, Central India
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Tue, 16/09/2008 - 8:00pm Mother of slain priest writes to Home Minister
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (ICNS): As mass violence continues in different parts of India, the mother and confreres of a slain Catholic priest are focused on pressing authorities to solve the murder case.Saramma Mathew, mother of Father Thomas Pandipally, wrote federal Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Sept. 6, expressing anguish over the slow pace of the investigation, UCA News reported.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
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Tue, 16/09/2008 - 4:08pm 19 Churches attacked on 14th September in Karnataka
Sunday, September 14,2008. KARNATAKA: After the black Saturday in Delhi, VHP and the neo fascist groups have unleashed terror against Christians turning Sunday as a black Sunday for Christians in Karnataka.
posted in: Current Issue, Persecution, South India
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