Fighting in India

[Joe_in_RP]

Orissa, India -- Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in India have reported at least 27 Adventist Christians dead from anti-Christian brutality that developed in the eastern India region of Orissa since late August. Church leaders said there are still violent outbreaks in the area despite India's Central Reserve Police forces patrolling the state.

Choudampalli John, president of the Adventist Church in east India, reported that he was not allowed to enter the areas where extremist violence occurred. John also said some Adventists are still hiding in the jungles because they fear retribution from other refugees at government-run aid camps. Other church leaders commented on the severity of the situation.

Paka Jesurathnam, Adventist church leader for Orissa, reported thousands of houses and three dozen Adventist churches were likely destroyed and looted. "To evaluate the actual loss of lives, property, people ... dwelling places and worship centers is impossible right now," said Jesurathnam. "To hear ... personal stories [makes] our nerves ache and blood dry."

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condemned the violence, calling it a "national disgrace." Singh advised the Orissa Government to maintain utmost vigil and ensure law and order and protection to life and property of all citizens. Also the Prime Minister appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

The minority Christians in Orissa have been experiencing various forms of atrocities in recent weeks including looting, destruction of churches and church-run institutions, brutal attacks against priests, nuns, church workers and other members of the Christian community, most of whom are Dalits and Adivasis (tribals).

An estimated 50,000 Christians from the Kandhamal region of Orissa are scattered throughout the seven government-run refugee camps and the surrounding jungle. Most have little to go back to: more than 3,000 homes and 115 churches, schools and other Church institutions have been destroyed.

http://www.aina.org/news/20080930133204.htm