Brown's Daily Word 8-26-08

Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying for Orissa. Just this morning I spoke with family members there. Things have been getting worse by the hour. Militant Hindu mobs are going out by the thousands to Christian homes, looting, burning, and killing. Christians have fled into the mountains. About 14 miles from where my mom lives, 6 Christians have been hacked to death, and families are too afraid to retrieve the bodies. Ten homes belonging to my relatives have been burned down.
Though there is a small police presence here and there, they have been turning a blind eye toward the situation. Even if the police wanted to get to the scene they could not, because boulders have been placed across the roads, making barriers. The entire situation is one of chaos, confusion, and lawlessness. The pro-Hindu government has remained silent in all of this. We are trying to get through to the Indian embassy in Washington, DC to apprise them of the situation.
I will be forwarding to you a composite report excerpted from news briefs. Please take the time to forward them to your local newspapers. I am also giving you a link to the Persecuted Christians of Orissa, India blog.
Thank you for praying, caring, and sharing.
Brown
" Revelation 12: 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

Dear Friends,
I am forwarding a c

Monday, August 25, 2008

CNN IBN Coverage of Orissa
Posted by Christian Persecution India

AFTERMATH OF SWAMI'S KILLING : THE CHRISTIAN VICTIMS LIST
EFI NEWS
1) NUN BURNT ALIVE: A nun was burnt to death on 25th, Monday, after an orphanage was torched in at Phutpali in Bargarh district in Orissa during a bandh called by Hindu nationalist parties.Twenty children, who were at the orphanage, managed to escape but a priest suffered serious burn injuries in the attack. 2) RASANANDA PRADHAN TORCHED ALIVE: Another person, Rasananda Pradhan, was burnt to death when his house was set ablaze at Rupa village in Kandhamal district. 3) INFLAMMATORY SPEECHES TARGET CHRISTIANS: During the bandh inflammatory speeches spreading hatred against the Christian workers and the community were given by the VHP leaders. To gain the mass support,the activists have also carried the body of Swamiji throughout the town. 4) CHURCHES BURNT ALL ACROSS ORISSA STATE: Churches were attacked in Khurda, Bargarh, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Koraput, Boudh, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur and Kandhamal districts as also in the state capital, police sources said, adding 40 houses were set ablaze in Phulbani town. 5) BUSES AND VEHICLES TORCHED: Mr. Mishra Digal was beaten up, while the motorcycles of Mr. R. K. Digal and Jitendra were burnt. Several buses at Gee Udaigiri in Baliguda were burnt. 6) PULBANI CHURCH RANSACKED: The Church at Phulbani,and several other churches at Phiringia were attacked and ransacked. Pastor D. Tatson's house was vandalized and his property burnt. 7) KAKRIGUMA CHURCHES VANDALISED: Churches in Kakriguma have been targeted by the mob that reportedly damaged the Assembly Of God Church and the Philadelphia Church. 8) WORLD VISION STAFF FLED FOR SAFETY: World Vision India office ransacked and the Staff has also fled to jungle for protection. 9) CHRISTIANS TAKE SHELTER IN FOREST FOR PROTECTION: A police camp at Barakhama was also attacked by the Hindu fundamentalists. With several houses being burnt down and people being made homeless, many Christians,particularly from Nua Sahi, Munda Sahi and Suna Tonga have fled into forests for their lives. 10) NUN RAPED: A young Catholic Nun of the Cuttack Bhubaneswar diocese working Jan Vikas Kendra, the Social Service Centre at Nuagaon in Kandhamal was reportedly gang raped on 24th August 2008 by groups of Hindutva extremists before the building itself was destroyed. 11) SENIOR PRIEST AND NUN INJURED: Fr Thomas, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kanjimendi, less than a kilometer away from the Social Service Centre, and another Nun were injured when the centre was attacked. They were taken to the police station in a disheveled state as the armed mob bayed for their blood. The Pastoral centre was then set afire. 12) BALLIGUDA CHURCH BUILDINGS DESTROYED AGAIN: On 24th August 2008 evening lynch mobs at the block headquarters of Balliguda, in the very heart of Kandhamal district, which had seen much violence between 24th and 26th December 2007, attacked and destroyed a Presbytery, convent and hostel damaging the properties. 13) CHRISTIAN BOYS HEADS TONSURED: The mobs in Balliguda caught hold of two boys of the Catholic hostel and tonsured their heads. 14) PHULBANI CHURCH DAMAGED: On 25th august 2008 morning followers of the late Lakshmanananda Saraswati damaged the Catholic Church in Phulbani, the district headquarter town. 15) MOTHER TERESA BROTHERS ASHRAM ATTACKED: Mobs attacked the Mother Teresa Brothers' residence and hospital in Srasanada, destroyed once before and rebuilt two months ago, and beat up the patients. 16) BHUBANESWAR BISHOP'S HOUSE ATTACKED: On the morning of 25th August 2008, violent mobs made several attempts to enter the compounds of Catholic Church and Archbishop's house in the heart of the Capital of the State of Orissa. They could not enter because of the police presence. They threw stones at the guesthouse of Archbishop's House, damaging windows. 17) DUBURI PARISH: Another group of fundamentalists entered presbytery in Duburi parish, managed by the SVDs and destroyed and damaged property. Two priests of the parish are missing. 18) Mr. Jamaj Pariccha, Director of Gramya Pragati, is attacked and his property damaged, vehicle looted and burnt. 19) A Baptist Church in Akamra Jila in Bhubaneswar is also damaged. 20) Christian institutions like St. Arnold's School (Kalinga Bihar) and NISWASS report some damage. 21) BOUDH DISTRICT [Adjoining Kandhamal]: Fundamentalists enter the Catholic parish church and destroy property. People are fleeing to safer places. But nothing seems safe. 22) MUNIGUDA: Muniguda Catholic Fathers and Nuns' residence have been damaged. 23) SAMBALPUR: HM Sister's residence (Ainthapalli) has suffered damage. 24) PADANPUR: One priest is attacked and admitted to a hospital. Hostel boys and the in charge have moved away from the place. 25) MADHUPUR: Madhupur Catholic Church currently under attack. 26) SMALL CHURCHES: Attempted violence on small churches in various districts, including Padampur, Sambalpur near GM College, Talsera, Dangsoroda, Narayanipatara, Muniguda, Tummiibandh, Tangrapada, Phulbani, Balliguda, Kalingia, Chakapad, Srasanranda. 27) VILLAGE CHRISTIAN HOUSES ATTACKED: Houses attacked on forest hamlets of Balliguda, Kanjamandi Nuaguam (K.Nuaguam), Tiangia (G.Udayagiri), Padangiri, Tikabali. 28) KALAHANDI DISTRICT: Houses burnt even though the district is more than 300 kilometers from the place where Swami Lakshmanananda was killed. 29) PASTORS' HOUSE BURNT: Pastor Sikandar Singh of the Pentecostal Mission beaten up and his house burnt in Bhawanipatna. 30) KHARIHAR: 3 Christian shops were looted and burnt. Pastor Alok Das and Pastor I M Senapati beaten up. 31) AAMPANI: Pastor David Diamond Pahar, Pastor Pravin Ship, Pastor Pradhan and Pastor Barik beaten up and chased away with their families. 32) NAKTIKANI: Mob surrounds village to attack Christians. The government has sent forces, it is reported. A delegation of Christian leaders under the leadership of Archbishop Vincent Concessao, the President of National United Christian Forum of CBCI, NCCI and EFI, met the Home Minister Shri Shiv Raj Patil and submitted a memorandum. The Home Minister assured the delegation all necessary steps have been taken to maintain peace and harmony and protect the innocent. He also expressed his helplessness by stating that police protection cannot be given in all villages. EFI request prayers at this time so that peace and harmony may prevail. [This list is compiled with assistance from Archbishop's House, Bhubaneswar, John Dayal, Light Foundation and EFI News reporters and other sources]
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell General Secretary Evangelical Fellowship of India New Delhi, India
Posted by Christian Persecution India Labels: anti christian propaganda, attack, beaten, destruction of property, kandhamal, orissa, police inaction, riots

Orissa Update by Advocate B D Das
Today the Christian community in the state of Orissa has experienced another communal violence by the members of the Sangh Pariwar inspite of precaution taken by the state authorities. The incident occurred during the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) statewide bandh (shutdown) in Orissa to protest against the murder of its leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a member of VHP's central advisory committee, and four other people who were killed at his Jalespata ashram in Kandhamal district in Kandhamal, Orissa by more than 30 suspected Maoist rebels on Saturday.
People resorted to road blockades from Saturday night and continued till this evening. Vehicular movements at various places of the state were affected due to the demonstration of the activists of Bajrangdal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, RSS, Hindu Jagaran Morcha and, supported by the BJP, a ruling coalition partner.
Trains were also detained by the activists at various railway stations and roads were blocked. Meanwhile high alert was sounded in entire state following the assassination of the religious leader and security arrangement was made to safe guarding the place of worship/ churches. However the forces were inadequate and were not able to prevent any kind of un-lawful activities of the activist in the entire state.
Several churches and prayer halls were torched, police outposts were attacked and about 20 vehicles damaged in the communally sensitive state during the bandh. Several educational Institutions , Christian shops and houses were damaged and two police outposts were ransacked . Activists accompanying body of the slain leader defied curfew and held processions passing through Phulbani town, attacking churches, houses and vehicles of one community in the presence of the police. The place of worships were desecrated, women were burnt and raped and Christian priests were subjected to inhuman torture. Christians were burnt alive. Many villagers are now hiding in the forests to save their lives. The Christian institutions have been closed down due to security reason. The law and order situation in the state is completely paralised. If the situation is not handled properly it may mount to an unmanageable magnitude. To address this issue at this juncture it is warranted that, either the CRPF or the Army in adequate strength be deployed to restore the law and order situation. Appended below please find some of the information we have received. Kindly pray for the restoration of peace in the state of Orissa.
Heinous incidents by the erratic mob
Ø 3 numbers of churches are burnt in Dumerguda, Talsara, Sundergarh.
Ø Catholic Church in Phulbani was burnt.
Ø Baptist church in Phulbani was attacked and all furniture was burnt.
Ø Houses (Christians) were attacked in Phulbani.
Ø Pastor's and Asst.Pastor's houses were burnt in Phulbani.
Ø 3 numbers of CNI churches were attacked in Kandhmal.
Ø Church in Koraput was burnt.
Ø Ichhapur Carmel School in Bhadrak was attacked and school buses were broken.
Ø World Vision Office in Bhawanipatna was attacked and the office vehicle was
o burnt.
Ø A family in Bhawanipatna was attacked.
Ø A church in Jeypore was attacked'
Ø Two schools and hostels in Muniguda were attacked and burnt.
Ø The Catholic Church at Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar was attacked.
Ø The CNI church in Chandipali, Bargarh was attacked.
Ø A Pentecostal church in Sambalpur was attacked.
Ø NISWASS and XIM in Bhubaneswar were attacked.
Ø A church and about 20 numbers of houses were burnt and a person named Rasananda Pradhan was killed in Rupagaon, near Chakapada.
Ø Christian houses in Nuasahi, Baliguda were damaged.
Ø In Khuntapali, Padampur an Orphanage (Missionary House) was burnt, Father Edward was burnt, children were burnt and a nun was burnt alive. 22 numbers of inmates are untraceable.
Ø The church and pastor's house in Padampur were burnt.
Ø Church in Sukinda was burnt.
Ø A brothern church in Gosaninuagaon, Berhampur was attacked.
Ø Office of the Compassion East India (NGO) in Bhubaneswar was attacked.
Ø A church in Bhimaguda, Nabarangpur was attacked.
Ø School and hostel in Madupur, Sohela, Bargarh was attacked.
Ø School bus of the De Paul School, Berhampur was burnt.
Ø Mission India Church at Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar was burnt.
Ø William Carey School in Jatni, NH-5 was attacked, 5 numbers of school buses were broken.
Ø Church in Bidanasi, Cuttack was attacked; the cross was broken and is being taken forcefully by the fundamentalists.
Ø A nun named Mina Barua was raped and a Father named Thomas Clave was made naked.
Ø Church in Rayagada was damaged and a Jeep was burnt.
Ø Church in Raikia was burnt.
Bibhu Dutta Das
Posted by Christian Persecution India at

ORISSA ANTI CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE UPDATE 25th August 2008
NUN REPORTED BURNT ALIVE: A Christian woman, possibly a nun, was reported burnt alive on 25th August 2008 by a group of Vishwa Hindu Parishad mob which stormed the orphanage she ran in the district of
Bargarh (Orissa). Police Superintendent Ashok Biswall has told this to news reporters. A priest who was at the orphanage was also badly hurt and is now being treated in hospital for multiple burns.
NUN RAPED: A young Catholic Nun of the Cuttack Bhubaneswar diocese working Jan Vikas Kendra, the Social Service Centre at Nuagaon in Kandhamal was reportedly gang raped on 24th August 2008 by groups of Hindutva extremists before the building itself was destroyed.
SENIOR PRIEST AND NUN INJURED: Fr Thomas, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kanjimendi, less than a kilometer away from the Social Service Centre, and another Nun were injured when the centre was attacked. They were taken to the police station in a disheveled state as the armed mob bayed for their blood. The Pastoral centre was then set afire.
BALLIGUDA CHURCH BUILDINGS DESTROYED AGAIN: On 24th August 2008 evening lynch mobs at the block headquarters of Balliguda, in the very heart of Kandhamal district, which had seen much violence between 24th and 26th December 2007, attacked and destroyed a Presbytery, convent and hostel damaging the properties.
The mobs in Balliguda caught hold of two boys of the Catholic hostel and tonsured their heads.
PHULBANI CHURCH DAMAGED: On 25th august 2008 morning followers of the late Lakshmanananda Saraswati damaged the Catholic Church in Phulbani, the district headquarter town.
MOTHER TERESA BROTHERS ASHRAM ATTACKED: mobs attacked the Mother Teresa Brothers’ residence and hospital in Srasanada, destroyed once before and rebuilt two months ago, and beat up the patients. Fundamentalists have targeted Priests, religious and also the Faithful in Pobingia also.
BHUBANESWAR BISHOP’S HOUSE ATTACKED: On the morning of 25th August 2008, violent mobs made several attempts to enter the compounds of Catholic Church and Archbishop’s house in the heart of the Capital of the State of Orissa. They could not enter because of the police presence. They threw stones at the guesthouse of Archbishop’s House, damaging windows.
DUBURI PARISH; Another group of fundamentalists entered presbytery in Duburi parish, managed by the SVDs and destroyed and damaged property. Two priests of the parish are missing.
Mr. Jamaj Pariccha, Director of Gramya Pragati, is attacked and his property, vehicle etc. damaged, burnt and looted.
A Baptist Church in Akamra Jila in Bhubaneswar is also damaged. Christian institutions like St. Arnold’s School (Kalinga Bihar),AND NISWASS report some damage.
BOUDH DISTRICT [Adjoining Kandhamal]: Fundamentalists enter the Catholic parish church and destroy property. People are fleeing to safer places. But nothing seems safe.
Muniguda Catholic Fathers and Nuns’ residence have been damaged.
Sambalpur HM Sister’s residence (Ainthapalli) has suffered damage.
Padanpur: One priest is attacked and admitted to a hospital. Hostel boys and the in charge have moved away from the place.
Madhupur Catholic Church currently under attack.
SMALL CHURCHES: Attempted violence on small churches in various districts, including Padampur, Sambalpur near GM College, Talsera, Dangsoroda, Narayanipatara, Muniguda, Tummiibandh, Tangrapada, Phulbani, Balliguda, Kalingia, Chakapad, Srasanranda.
VILLAGE CHRISTIAN HOUSES ATTACKED: Houses attacked on forest hamlets of Balliguda, Kanjamandi Nuaguam (K.Nuaguam), Tiangia (G.Udayagiri), Padangiri, Tikabali.
KALAHANDI DISTRICT: houses burnt even though the district is more than 300 kilometers from the place where Swami Lakshmanananda was killed.
Pastor Sikandar Singh of the Pentecostal Mission beaten up and his house burnt in Bhawanipatna.
Kharihar: 3 Christian shops were looted and burnt. Pastor Alok Das and Pastor I M Senapati beaten up.
Aampani: Pastor David Diamond Pahar, Pastor Pravin Ship, Pastor Pradhan and Pastor Barik beaten up and chased away with their families.
Naktikani: Mob surrounds village to attack Christians. The government has sent forces, it is reported.
[This list is compiled with assistance from Archbishop’s House,Bhubaneswar and other sources]
Posted by Christian Persecution India Labels: attack, orissa

2 persons arrested for killing Saraswati
Two persons were arrested in connection with the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati who was gunned down by unidentified persons on Saturday night even as Orissa government admitted lapses might have occured in his security. Home Secretary T K Mishra refused to divulge which community the two arrested persons belonged. "There could have been lapses on the security of Saraswati. Therefore, Kandhmal SP Nikhil Kanodia and Officer-in-charge of Tumudibandha police station Jena were placed under suspension", Home Secretary T K Mishra said. Mishra told reporters that though the police were yet to pinpoint lapses in the security which appeared to be inadequate. "It is the responsibility of the local police station and the district SP to deal with threats of important personalities", he said conceding that though police were informed about the danger to Saraswati's life, necessary arrangements were not in place. Saraswati had earlier escaped at least nine attempts on his life, police sources said. Though Mishra had on Sunday ruled out possibility of communal dimension to Saraswati's killing, he said today that police were probing all angles, including involvement of Maoists, in the incident. He said the kind of arms used and the manner in which the attackers executed the killing indicated Maoists' involvement. He said though the state had asked for four battalions of para-military force, the Centre sent only three companies of Rapid Action Force and two companies would be sent to Kandhmal district. The other company would be kept in reserve.
Click here for Source
Posted by Christian Persecution India

FAX to President to intervene
URGENT FAX 25 August 2008 TO PRESIDENT OF INDIA SEEKING ARMY / CENTRAL FORCES INTERVENTION TO PROTECT CHRISTIANS IN ORISSA AS NUN IS RAPED, PRIESTS INJURED, CHURCHES AND OFFICES BURNT IN PRESENCE OF POLICE Hon'ble Mrs., Pratibha Patil President of India Dear President Greetings from a grieving community. You are aware of the still continuing carnage against the Christian community, mostly Dalits and Tribals, in the Kandhamal district of Orissa and in several other districts including the state capital of Bhubaneswar since 23rd August 2003 following the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, reportedly by Maoist groups who have been operating in the state for some time. The Christian leadership in the country has unequivocally condemned the killing of the VHP leader and his four associates. The Christians of Kandhamal are still nursing their wounds from the Christmas 2007 violence, with hundreds of them still living in a refugee camp in Barakhama. Most of the more than One hundred churches then destroyed remain in ruins, and the burnt houses are still to be fully rebuilt. And yet local Sangh leaders have targeted the community in a second wave of macabre violence. A nun has been raped in Kandhamal, a Catholic father grievously injured, scores of houses in villages destroyed, apart from Churches and institutions. I attach herewith a partial list of the damage in the violence in the past two days. We in Delhi are overwhelmed with panic messages from Priests, pastors, nuns and common people who look to New Delhi for help as the State machinery ahs collapsed once again. Changing of superintendents of police as a knee jerk reaction does not provide security to Christians. In fact, much of the violence is taking place with the insufficient police force looking on. This had been the case in 2007 December, as has come out in the on going hearings of the Justice Basudeo Panigrahi Commission. Christian delegations have informed the State Governor, the State Chief Minister and the Home Minister of India of the dire situation of our community in Orissa. Dear Madame President, This is to request you to use your powers as President of India, and the tremendous force of your good offices, to impress on the Central Government to rush adequate Union forces, including contingents of the Armed Forces if required, to restore law and order and governance in the Kandhamal region. The consequences of any further delay, I fear, may be catastrophic for our Christian community in the State in particular, for peace in Orissa in general, and for the fair name of India as a secular country. God Bless you John Dayal
Posted by Christian Persecution India

Violence spreads in Kalahandi as well
According to reports just received from Kalahandi many incidents of violence and house burning have taken place in the district even though it is more than 300 kilometres from the place where Swami Laxmananada was killed. Pastor Sikandar Singh of the Pentecostal Mission was beaten up and his house was burnt in Bhawanipatna. In Kharihar, 3 Christian shops were looted and burnt. Pastor Alok Das was also beaten up at Kharihar as was Pastor I M Senapati who has been a Bishop in the Church of North India. In Aampani Pastor David Diamond Pahar was beaten up by more than 200 people and they chased him away from Aampani. He is hiding in nearby villages. Pastor Pravin Ship, Pastor Pradhan and Pastor Barik were beaten up and chased away with their families. In Naktikani an angry mob surrounded the village to attack Christians. The government has sent forces and they are trying to control the mob.Meanwhile according to reports, a Christian delegation has met the Home Minister Mr. Shivraj Patil and expressed their concern over the incidents.
Posted by Christian Persecution India Labels: orisa

Orphanage set on fire in Orissa village, nun killed
Bhubaneswar: A nun was burnt to death and a priest injured when suspected Sangh Parivar activists set fire to an orphanage run by Christian missionaries in a village in Orissa’s Bargarh district on Monday.First reports from Khuntapali village say the suspected Sangh Parivar activists first pulled out children from the orphanage and then set it ablaze at around 1600 hrs. The 25-year-old nun and the priest were trapped inside. The priest is now recovering in a hospital.In the past Hindu extremists in Orissa have attacked Christian missionaries. In 1999 an Australian missionary, Graham Staines, and his two sons were killed by a mob that set their car on fire.The incident occurred during the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) statewide bandh (shutdown) in Orissa to protest against the murder of its leader in Kandhamal district on Saturday.Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a member of VHP's central advisory committee, and four other people were killed at his Jalespata ashram in Kandhamal district, 340 km from Bhubaneswar, on Saturday evening after more than 30 suspected Maoist rebels opened fire on them.Over a dozen churches and prayer halls were torched, police outposts attacked and about 15 vehicles damaged in the communally sensitive Kandhamal district during the bandh.Two churches were damaged in Phulbani town and two police outposts were ransacked near Nuagaon, while churches and prayer halls were attacked in Baliguda, Barkhama, Tikabali and Udaigiri areas.Activists accompanying body of the slain leader defied curfew and held processions passing through Phulbani town, attacking churches, houses and vehicles of one community, police said.In the state capital, saffron activists fanned out in large numbers in order to enforce the bandh and blocked important roads and intersections.Road and rail traffic was affected while shops and business establishments remained closed across the state during the bandh, supported by the BJP, a coalition partner in the ruling combine.(With inputs from PTI and IANS)Click here for source
Posted by Christian Persecution India at 7:58 AM 0 comments
Sunday, August 24, 2008

Naxals attack Orissa ashram, kill 5 key VHP leaders
New Delhi: In a Naxal attack in the communally sensitive Kandhamal district in Orissa, 30 armed Naxals ambushed the Ban Basi Kalyan ashram for girls when Janmashtami celebrations were taking place on Saturday evening killing six people. The Naxals threw grenades and opened indiscriminate firing at the ashram. All the dead were prominent VHP leaders including senior leader and ashram chief, Lashmananda Saraswati, Arupananda, Chinmayananda and Mata Bhaktimayee.Lashmananda Saraswati had received a letter threatening him on Saturday morning, asking him to stop religious activities at the ashram. Tension broke out at some places in the tribal-dominated Kandhmal after the attack on the ashram and roads leading to Tumudibandh were sealed, police said adding steps were taken to prevent any communal flare-up in the district. Kandhamal, which witnessed violence during Christmas in December last year, has long been a communal flash point. In January this year too, violence had erupted after Christian missionaries were attacked by Hindu groups. The district has been put on high alert and additional police forces, including the CRPF, have been rushed in to keep stock of the situation. Section 144 imposed in entire Kandhamal district. In a fallout of the Kandhamal incident, a prayer house was burnt in Tentulieadapada area of neighboring Sundargarh district on Sunday.The whole state of Orissa has been put on high alert.VHP has called for 12-hour Orissa bandh on Monday to protest the killings.BJP and VHP members have started their agitation and are blocking trains and roads in various parts of Orissa including Bhubaneshwar.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed the people to maintain peace. He has also promised to take stringent action against those found guilty.http://www.ibnlive.com/news/naxals-attack-orissa-ashram-kill-5-key-vhp-leaders/71990-3.html
Posted by Christian Persecution India at Labels: orissa

Protests in Orissa over killing of VHP leader
Thousands of people blocked roads and stopped trains in several places in Orissa on Sunday to protest the killing of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and four others on Saturday night by armed assailants in the communally-sensitive Kandhamal district. A high alert has been sounded across the state.VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, who was leading a campaign against cow slaughter and religious conversion, allegedly by Christian missionaries, was shot dead at his Jalespata ashram, some 340 km from here."More than 30 men opened fire at the octogenarian leader, killing him and four others," district collector Kishan Kumar told IANS over phone."The attackers overpowered the 10 security personnel opened fire from their automatic rifles," Kumar said. "We have found a letter from the spot which indicates it may be a Maoist attack." The attack took place at around 7.30 pm.Saraswati was a member of the central advisory committee of the VHP.The authorities have clamped orders prohibiting the gathering of four or more people in the entire district. Security has been beefed up in the area.Thousands of people blocked roads at several places in the state. The state government has asked the police and district administrative heads to remain alert. "There have been sporadic incidents of road and train blockades in the state," inspector general of police Pradeep Kapoor told IANS. A high alert has been sounded across the state, he said."Thousands of policemen and paramilitary force troopers have been deployed in the district to avoid any untoward incidents," he said.Kandhamal district, with a population of around 600,000 including 150,000 Christians, is considered one of the most communally sensitive regions in the state. The region has witnessed numerous clashes between Hindus and Christians in the past.Saraswati has served tribes, mainly Kandhs, in the region. His main ashram is located at Chakapad in the same district. The place where he was killed houses a residential school for girls and an ashram.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Puri Sankaracharya Nischilananda Saraswati, Bajrang Dal leader Subash Chauhan are among those who have condemned the killing.http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080062715
Posted by Christian Persecution India
Saturday, August 23, 2008

Trainee Evangelist arrested for Tract distribution in false charges of 295 & 297 IP
Sangh Parivar activists on Aug 20th attack evangelist in Benasil village, Dasamantapur block,Koraput Dist for distributing Gospel tractsAround 8.30 Am, Premdan Khora(35) of Indian Evangelical Team was sent by Kandpan Gouda of Bersaba Church to distribute Gospel tracts.At around 11 Am, Nearly 100 VHP activists who were conducting a Protest Rally against the Panigrahi Commission set up to probe the Dec '07,Anti Christian Violence in Kandhamal District of Orissa Commission in Dasamantapur block pounched on Premdan and mercilessly thrashed him for nearly an hour, till he was barely conscious.The radicals snatched away and destroyed the tracts and finally handed him over to the local police with different written false charges.GCIC immediately commissioned Advocate Mr Pravat Kumar Bidika , who contacted officials at the Police Station.However, the Sangh Pariviar, who have political clout threatened the police officials and an FIR was lodged and registered vide 34/08, dtd.20.08.08 under 295 and 297 IPC against Premdan Khora. On 21st Premdan was forwarded to the Court as a culprit under case no GR 442/08, dtd.21.08.08.Now he is in the District Jail of Koraput because of the Court is closed for Hindu festial holidays. GCIC will move his bail petition on coming Monday i.e.25.08.08 to secure the release of Premdan.www.persecution.in
Posted by Christian Persecution India at Labels: falsely accused, orissa
Sunday, August 17, 2008

Carmelite Priest Tortured, Killed in Andhra Pradesh
BALAMPILLY, AP (ICNS): The tortured and disfigured body of a Carmelite priest was reportedly found in the Yellareddy area of Naxalites-infected district of Nzamabad in Andhra Pradesh.
The body of Father Thomas Pandippallyil, 37, a member of Carmelite of Mary Immaculate, as found when people waiting for Sunday Mass in a village began a search after the priest failed to turn up. On a way side in Yellardy they found his body with legs and hands crushed with sever beatings, and eyes were pierced with a sharp weapon. He is believed to be killed on Saturday night. His motor bike was also found abandoned. The body was found almost a kilometer from the motor bike that he used. His head and also had serious injuries. The body was found in a deserted area in Balampilly village. On Saturday he reportedly offered a Mass Burgida village, where he stayed and started for another village to say Sunday Mass. On his way he visited an FCC convent in Lingapetta and had his supper. On Sunday the sisters were waiting for the priest for the mass in Yellareddy, and not finding him there initiated a search. A Post mortem was conducted and the burial would be at the Balampilly Provincial house on Wednesday morning. The priest was actively involved in educational field. He joined the Chanda mission of the CMI on 24th June 1987. He was ordained a priest in 2002. He was the rector for the Chanda mission province of the CMI, and also worked as hospital administrator, school manager and mission centre director.
INDIAN CATHOLIC - Carmelite Priest Tortured, Killed in Andhra Pradesh - BALAMPILLY, AP (ICNS): The tortured and disfigured body of a Carmelite priest was reportedly found in the Yellareddy area of Maoist-infected district of Nzamabad in Andhra Pradesh.
Posted by Christian Persecution India
Labels: andhra pradesh, killed

The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Nizamabad News : Pastor found murdered
Pastor found murdered
Staff Reporter
NIZAMABAD: A church pastor Padepalli Thomas (38) was found murdered at Mosalikunta on Lingampet-Yellareddy road, about 90 km from the district headquarters, late on Saturday night. The deceased clergyman was also the correspondent of the Jeevadhan High School attached to the church in Yellareddy.
His body bearing stab injuries on the abdomen and chest was recovered from the scene of offence. According to Additional SP, Y.A. Srinivas Rao who rushed to the spot, the pastor was coming back to Yellareddy after conducting evening prayers at Lingampet and Burigidda churches when he was attacked.
The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Nizamabad News : Pastor found murdered
Posted by Christian Persecution India Labels: andhra pradesh, killed
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Students attacked in Andhra Pradesh
According to reports from GCIC, a team of Christian students was attacked by Hindutva goons in Miryalguda, Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh. The attackers also seized Christian literature from the team and burned them down. On 29th July two Christian girl students were spotted by around 3 Hindutva hardliners while they were distributing Christian literature among the college students in the area.
Catching the girls unaware the miscreants attacked them, beating them and snatching away the Christian books. Three boxes of books which were carried by the team were also destroyed by the Hindutva gang.
Following this the attackers pelted stones at a Christian house nearby.
Not satisfied with this the miscreants themselves complained to the police that the Christian students were engaged in forced and fraudulent conversions and registered an FIR against them. Last heard local Christian leaders have also given a complaint against the attackers to the police.
Posted by Christian Persecution India at 9:18 AM 2 comments
Labels: andhra pradesh, attack, attack on faith
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Pastor threatened in Andhra Pradesh
ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- A pastor was threatened for showing the well-known Jesus movie.
The incident occurred on July 27 in Andhra Pradesh in India.
According to a story on www.persecution.in, Pastor Devadanam organized a screening of the Jesus movie at his residence in Sanjeev Nagar Colony. The event drew about 100 people.
The website reported that as the film was being shown, between 15 and 20 young people from the Indian Peoples Youth Front (the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janatha Political Party, BJP) burst into the home.
According to the story, without saying anything the young people destroyed the speakers, tables and projector. They also tore and burned the screen, along with Bibles.
As the incident continued, the pastor and his family took refuge in one of the rooms in the house and locked the door. Banging on the door but unable to get in, the alleged perpetrators shouted to the pastor that if he ever screened the Jesus film again, they would kill him.
The story on www.persecution.in reported that following the attack, the pastor filed a complaint with the police against the alleged attackers. Six of the assailants were taken by law enforcement officers to the police station.
According to the story, Devadanam came to faith in Jesus many years ago, and has been in full-time Christian service for about a decade. His house church serves about 25 families.
Click here for source
Posted by Christian Persecution IndiaLabels: andhra pradesh, threat
Monday, July 28, 2008

Christian team attacked in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad: Hindutva activists have attacked a Pastor and a Christian media team representing The Book of Hope at Jangaon in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The attackers have also destroyed the media kit, including the film and the screen.
A team from The Book of Hope was screening a film on Jesus under the supervision of Pastor Devadanam of Telugu Baptist Church at Jangaon on 27 July 2008. Around 8 pm, more than 30 members belonging to Bharatiya Janata Party, Viswa Hindu Parishad and Bajarang Dal arrived at the venue and ransacked the place. They also beat up the Pastor and the team members and then destroyed the screen, the film and the furniture.
Thereafter the attackers sat in dharna in front of the Pastors’ residence, protesting against conversion activities in the area. They damaged the gate and doors of the house. The Pastor’s plea to spare them fell on deaf ears. They then went back to the spot where the film was screened and destroyed all the books and pamphlets and set fire to them. Upon this, the Pastor rang up the police, informing them about the continued attack by the Hindutva men. Just before the police arrived, they escaped into the dark.
On 28 July 2008, a group of Christian leaders took out a procession to the office of the District Superintendent of Police, wearing black badges. In the meantime the Circle Inspector of Jangaon approached them, assuring that similar incidents would not happen again.
By evening, the police official got all the attackers together and brought about a compromise between them. The Christian leaders thereafter withdrew the police complaint.
Source: AICC
Posted by Christian Persecution India Labels: andhra pradesh, anti christian propaganda, attack, attack on faith, beaten, destruction of property, threat, vandalized

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