Catholics attacked by tribal Hindus in Orissa

(July 19, 2010) Some hundred tribal Hindus attacked, beat and insulted seven Catholic couples in Kupibadi village of Kandhamal district in the Indian state of Orissa, which had witnessed India’s worst anti-Christian violence in August 2008. The incident which occurred on Saturday was sparked by issues related to land and the transfer of cattle for grazing. Local sources told AsiaNews that tribal Hindus from Danikibadi barred Catholics from transiting cattle through their village, grazing in the nearby forest and surrounding fields. Catholics have denounced the harassment of Hindus to local government officials, who held a meeting to settle the issue. At the meeting, the 14 Catholics representing the community were attacked by the tribal Hindus. A man was seriously injured on the leg, they ripped earrings and a chain from a woman. Others have reported bruises or minor injuries. Daringbadi police agreed to initiate an investigation only after repeated requests. Doctors at the government health centre at first refused to treat the injured fearing legal complications or complaints. They intervened only after police assurance. Fr Ratikant Ranjit, from the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, said the incident has "shocked" the Catholic community. He is providing them with legal assistance and psychological support, because they fear for "their lives, their children’s lives, for the safety of their homes and property”.