KOTTYAM, India — On the evening of December 24, 2007, as Christians in the Kandhamal District of the Indian state of Orissa were preparing for Christmas, a well-orchestrated attack on Christian churches and homes began. For three days the rampage continued leaving at least 8 Christians dead and many others homeless.
Because the area is mountainous with dense forests, exact figures have been hard to come by. Nevertheless, area mission director Sushant Naik based in Raikia, Orissa reported to the pastors that approximately 100 churches (30 of them Baptist) have been badly damaged or completely destroyed. An estimated 800 to 1300 homes have been “broken and torched” affecting 5,000 to 6,000 believers who fled into the surrounding jungles in fear. Nearly two months after the attack, many continue to live in the trees while government sources estimate that 2,400 others have sought safety in refugee camps.
The architecture of the dining hall (left) and the dormitory provides open and inviting space in harmony with a tropical climate.
Even more difficult to assess is the damage to personal property. Naik believes that about 15 automobiles, 25 motorcycles and 40 computers were also destroyed. Christians report that all personal property was taken and their cash and valuables looted.
Hindu fundamentalists have been blamed for the attack with suspicion falling particularly on Swami Laxananada Saraswati and Lombodoro Kanhara, two outspoken critics of Christian growth in the area. To date they have not been arrested. Evidence is conclusive that the attacks were planned up to three months prior.
On Sept. 22, The Hindu newspaper had reported, “A volatile tension is brewing between Kui tribals and Pana harijans (Dalits) in Kandhamal district.” Most Christians belong to the Dalits (untouchables or the outcasts). An estimated 16 percent of the district's 650,000 people are Christians.
Naik reported “… we ran for our lives leaving the worship service. This news spread like wild fire which kept us in our places in fear and panic.
“From 24th night to 26th night one after another the church was attacked and our houses were torched. We fled to nearby jungles to take shelter in this cold night.
“We have lost our houses, clothing, food, valuables, money, important documents, study books and have become refugees in our homeland.
“We have taken shelter in the school buildings, tents, and relief camps, having no sufficient food, water, clothing and other necessities.
“In some cases we have been warned not to return to our homes without forsaking the faith in foreign religion (Christian Faith).
“Some of us have been tortured by force and given blood mixed with rice to eat in order to make us renounce our faith.
“Our future seems uncertain unless the government [of India] and our Christian brethren sympathize and extend their help to save us from this grave situation, which has been thrust upon us because of our faith in Jesus Christ.”
The pastors asked their Virginia visitors if the persecutions should become known and if we would help tell the story of their distress.
Christians in the area report that justice is not dispensed evenly to religious minorities and even though the government has promised monetary relief it has not yet been given and it will not begin to cover cost of repairing the damages.
The Baptist brethren from Kandhamal district ask that Christians around the world remember them in our prayers. Obviously, other needs in addition to prayers are also critical. These include Bibles, school uniforms (required by the government), school supplies, reconstruction of houses and churches and income-generating programs.