Monday, August 25, 2008

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.