INDIA: Concerns of Imminent Violence in Odisha

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOMC Contacts

The remains of a church building after the attacks in 2008. Photo: All India Christian Council (cc)

Recent reports from reliable sources indicate that Hindu leaders in the state of Odisha are preparing a list of Christian leaders to be attacked during the days to come. Christian leaders have spoken with governing authorities who intend to provide protection. However, the situation is further compounded by the fact that the state is governed by the Hindu nationalist BJP (political party), and the planned attacks coincide with a sensitive time in Hindu/Christian relations.

On August 23rd, 2008, a prominent Hindu leader named Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was assassinated (learn more). Though evidence revealed that Maoist rebels were responsible for the incident, several Hindu militant groups pointed the blame at the Christians. As a result, major riots erupted in the Kandhamal district of Odisha State. In the violence that ensued, hundreds of churches – along with thousands of homes and other buildings – were destroyed. More than 90 people, the majority of whom had been Christians, were killed in the rampage, and thousands were injured and/or displaced.

Despite a confession from a senior Maoist leader who claimed responsibility for the assassination, suspicions against the country's Christians remain to this day. This year, Hindu leaders are making several demands to honour the slain swami. Along with those demands, the Hindu festival of Janmashtami will be observed on August 25th and 26th in the village of Jalespata where he was murdered.

With hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees planning to gather in Kandhamal to honour the life of Saraswati (whose murder case was recently reopened), along with threats against Christian leaders in the area, the possibility of violence is significant. While protection will be given to local Christians "as far as possible," the District Magistrate also warns of the many factors that could lead to a riot.

Please prayerfully uphold the Christians of Kandhamal as they face this potentially volatile situation, asking our Heavenly Father to provide His divine protection to every believer living in this region. 

Pray that the necessary steps will be taken by the police to prevent any violence from taking place during the upcoming celebration, and that the evidence revealing the true assassins of the 2008 murder will be acknowledged by the Hindu population. 

May Hindu leaders not only observe this holiday peacefully, but may they also extend the same privilege to the country's Christians who likewise want to practise their faith in peace and freedom.