Orissa: six more churches set on fire, hundreds of homes destroyed

(September 4, 2008) The anti-Christian violence in the state of Orissa shows no signs of a let-up. In the past three days six churches have been attacked, set on fire and destroyed; hundreds of Christian-owned houses have been devastated and then torched. The number of refugees and missing people is rising. Death threats are made against Christians if they practice their faith. but according to the government of Orissa the situation is “under control”. In the meantime, after hearing Archbishop Raphael Cheenath's plea, the Supreme Court on Wednesday sought an urgent reply from Orissa on the ongoing anti-Christian violence in the state. Archbishop’s lawyer Colin Gonsalves told the court that anti-Christian violence has escalated in the state in recent months, particularly in the past week after the murder of Swami Laxmanannda Saraswati Hindu religious leader. The senior advocate said "the primary reason for this communal violence is intolerance by certain groups of a particular political persuasion". Reports from New Delhi say that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has written to Missionaries of Charity Sisters assuring governmental protection and support to their houses and work in Orissa in the wake of continuing violence in the state. Singh on Wednesday wrote replying to Sister Nirmala Joshi, superior General of Missionaries of Charity (MC). Her message to Singh last week has expressed concern over the continuing anti-Christian violence in Orissa.