Tag: Odisha Christians

“This judgment is the talking point here,” Junos Nayak, a retired policeman hurt during the Kandhamal violence, told World Watch Monitor. “Everyone is eager to know if the judgment will bring any benefit to them”.

RAPHAEL CHEENATH became a champion of the oppressed, particularly Christian victims of persecution in India’s Hindu-dominated society, at a time when militant Hindu nationals are exercising growing power over national affairs.

The Kandhamal violence of August 2008 that lasted nearly four months claimed more than 90 lives and wounded hundreds of people. More than 50,000 people were rendered homeless.

Father Singh said although the process should start at the diocesan level, "we want this to become a national Christian affair that would help people reaffirm their faith."

WHILE the population of the Christian community marked a 100% rise in some districts in Odisha, it registered a growth of 50%-80% in other districts across the state as compared to the last census.

ON that fateful night, under the cover of darkness, the Sister and I went to the home of a Hindu gentleman. He was kind enough to give us food and shelter, putting himself and his family at great risk. My assistant priest found shelter at his brother’s house.

DAILY life is becoming a nightmare again for many Christian communities in the state of Orissa (Odisha), scene of the worst anti-Christian pogrom in India's history in 2008.