Orissa: Persecution Continues
Even after 45 days, Christians in Orissa , India are still being persecuted, people keep getting killed every day. Bodies are being discovered, even refugee camps are not safe, wells and foods are being poisoned.
In spite of the presence of thousands of paramilitary forces sent by the central government, antichristian violence continues. While Christian's fled to jungles to escape attack Hindu mobs burn the houses. Men women and even children are hacked to death. The Christians who tried to come back to their village were threatened or cut into pieces!
Christians who fled to jungles as they were brutally beaten and chased by the Hindu mobs, trekked through the forest and reached some of the refugee centers opened by the authorities. Heart breaking stories are coming out of these refugee camps.
Motilal Pradhan is a Christian serving the Indian Army in Punjab border to Pakistan . As his family members were attacked he came and met them in a refugee a camp in Orissa. When all his family fled to the forest to escape the attackers, one of his brothers, a paralytic chose to stay home saying no one will harm a paralytic patient. But the fanatic Hindu attackers -even the very neighbors- not only burnt the house, burnt their brother alive! The family could not go back to the village so far, according to the report, villagers sent the message that if Pradhan family converts to Hinduism, they can come back to the village.
The survivors have only one thing to say that they never imagined such an attack, especially by the hands of the neighbors. They have no place to go, become refugees in their own land! They say, “We have never done any harm to any one. Our only fault is that we worship Jesus Christ.” They add, “Our God will save us”
According to the National Commission for Minorities, the attack on Christians and their institution were well planned. In Karnataka state, NCM noticed the partial role of the authorities. Police arrested more Christian victims than attackers! It is a wonder even after so many weeks Hindu fanatics unleash terror in various states of India , and the central and state governments remain as a mute spectator.
It has been widely noticed; because of the coming election politicians keep a distance to save their vote bank.
In the mean while, some Christians have opened an online petition to the president of India . Concerned Christians may click the link and sign it on line.
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/thecsf17/petition.html
Let us continue to uphold this state in prayers. No doubt, it is the effort of the Sangh Parivar to gain votes for their political party BJP in the coming election. All over India , some way or other their voice is being heard, particularly by attacking the minorities. Even as this report is being prepared some cities of Maharashtra are burning. There the victims are Muslims.
Let us keep praying for India , Hindu leaders and the politicians. Our God is sovereign, He is on the throne. Nothing is impossible for Him. May the Lord comfort His people and strengthen them to face this stage for the sake of Christ.
6/10/08
