400 houses burnt and 2 Killed

Tensions continue in Orissa even as the Anti-Christian violence spilled over to the Boudh district which borders Kandhamal, the most affected district of the state.

Reports say that around 400 houses have been burnt by angry mobs between 1^st October – 3^rd October in Kandhamal and Boudh Districts. In Kandhamal the worst affected area was Raikia while in Boudh it was Kantamal.

It is reported that the police has so far arrested closed to 50 leaders having an affiliation to the Hindutva brigade.

In protest of this two Christians Dushyant Majhi and Sanyasi Majhi were killed on the evening of 3^rd October in Sindhipankha village, near Tumulibandh by an angry mob. The mob later destroyed many Christian houses in the village and killed household animals.

It is estimated that 10 companies of the CRPF will be reaching Kandhamal by 5^th October. An additional 10 companies of the CRPF were sent on 1^st October 2008 by the centre raising the paramilitary presence to 53 companies including 3 of the RAF (Rapid Action Force).

Church burnt in Jabalpur while the center issues warning to Orissa and Karnataka

18 September 2008:

The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Jabalpur was set on fire by unidentified people today evening. The damage was not extensive but the altar and windows etc are burnt irreparably.

The fire was sighted by some bystanders who informed the priest in charge and hence the fire was noticed.

The police and the collector and all the government machinery was present at the venue when we tried to call them up, but it does not make a difference for there have been no arrests till now.

Pray for the Christians in Jabalpur

Meanwhile the center has given a warning to the states of Orissa and Karnataka under the article 355 of the constitution of India.

The center has asked the states to check the violence and the attacks on Churches or action will be taken.

The Article 355 says:

Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance

It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

At last some words of relief from the center.

80 year old Church burnt in Indore, Madhya Pradesh

13 September 2008: Masihi Mandir Church, an 80 year old landmark in the city of Indore was burnt by suspected VHP activists in Indore today in the evening.

The Church had also been attacked sometime ago by Bajrang Dal members and they had broken down its window panes, furniture and fixtures during that attack.

The Church is only a few meters away from the Chawni Police station but even that has not stopped it from being an easy target of the hate forces.

The damage due to fire has not been very extensive but doors, windows and other wooden material has been burnt irrecoverably.

Christian Persecution India blog condemns this incident and calls for unity in the Church of Indore to address this issue.