Orissa: Troubles Continue
It was two weeks ago when massive violence broke out in India’s Orissa state, as Hindu ultra-fundamentalists falsely accused Christians of killing a Hindu leader and began assaulting churches and believers. The immediate violence was unimaginable, as dozens were killed, many more subjected to torture and abuse, and churches and homes razed.
Such coordinated violence has long-term consequences which will be felt for years to come. It will take a long time to restore peace, not to mention families rebuilding lives that have been devastated.
But before any rebuilding can occur, the violence must die down, and even now - two weeks later - the violence continues. AsiaNews is reporting that it is even continuing in the refugee camps! In fact, the persecutors are getting even more devious in their destruction, making sure that they only destroy a family’s possessions, not their house…because the Indian government is going to reimburse all those that lose their homes.
This violence is just one outbreak, a tragic symptom of the underlying religious hatred that constantly plagues India. Continue to pray for Orissa Christians!