The media in India war reporting Christian persecution in the state of Orissa. It seems that violence erupted against Christians following the murder of a Hindu leader. The police believe that the Maoists (Naxalites) were responsible. Evenso it was Christians that were attacked, with many being forced to flee into the forest or refugee camps. The violence has since spread to Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
During the weekend before we arrived in India special rallies were held up and down the country with special prayer for those suffering, especially in Orissa.
Passions have been running very high in Orissa, with complex local conflicts being used to whip up hatred and nationally this is part of a larger political struggle.
Ram Gidoomal explained in a statement from the South East Asian Development Partnership:
"This is the work of extremists who are destroying the fabric of India. The nation is locked in a struggle between the secularism established at Independence, and a double challenge from the Naxalities (wo now control 10% of India's districts according to Government figures), and from Hindutva forces who want to re-impose the unequal hold of traditional structures. The vast majority in India are peach loving people who respect life. We pray for an end to this violence."
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