Christian killed in Orissa
Bhuvaneshwar (Orissa): On the evening of December 16, approximately 20 Hindu fanatics stopped Yuvraj Digal (40), a respected Christian leader, and his 20-year-old son as they were heading home on motorbike from the village of Tikabali, Kandhamal district.

The Hindus accused Digal of being involved in the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, and began beating him. His son was able to escape the attackers and seek help from the police. Digal, however, disappeared and his body was found on December 18.

The situation remains tense for Christians in Orissa even though Hindu militant groups have called off a protest that was planned for Christmas Day. The district has employed additional security measures, but many Christians remain apprehensive about possible outbreaks of violence in the coming days. District authorities in Kandhamal have asked churches not to hold midnight services. Many churches have cancelled Christmas ceremonies.

Christians arrested on false charges
Bhuvaneshwar (Orissa) : The police on November 22 arrested three believers on false charges of attempting to rape and murder in Guntaput, Koraput district.

The Rev. Abhiram, Co-ordinator of Good Shepherd Community Churches (GSCC) reported that an advocate and an active RSS worker identified only as Nanda lodged a police complaint against three believers identified as Rajat Kuldip, Saliman Kondhpan, Gokul Kondhpan of “ attempting to rape and murder” a tribal woman identified as Radha Pangi when she was attending nature call in the field.

The Christians were arrested under Section 147,149,254,307 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code and were released on bail on November 28. The said victim, Radha Pangi has no clue about the incident. It was also reported the police are now searching another three believers from the GSSC for enquiry.

Pastor attacked
Bangalore (Karnataka): Hindu Extremists belonging to the Hindu Rakshane Vedike (A movement to save Hinduism) on December 8 attacked a pastor, accusing him of ‘forceful conversion’ in Ibrahim Pura, Bellary.

According to reports, at about 5 p.m., a mob of about 25 extremists stopped Pastor N. Satyam from Assembly of God Church and one believer on their way back home from a prayer meeting. The extremists dragged the Christians out from an auto-rickshaw, verbally abused them and falsely accused the pastor of forceful conversion.

The police arrived at the scene and took the Christians to the police station, where they were detained for about 6 hours.

Later in the evening, about 100 Christians turned up at the police station and staged a protest against the violence shown upon the Christians. The dalits also supported the Christians as atrocities against the Christians took place on a regular basis in the area.

No police complaint was lodged and the matter was settled peacefully between the two parties.

Pastors beaten up
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Hindu extremists attacked two pastors in Palasapara village on December 5 in Meghasah Tehsil.

According to the reports, at about 3 p.m. a mob of about 20 extremists belonging to the RSS attacked two pastors identified as Pangala Bhai and Limba Bhai on their way back home after conducting a prayer meeting organized by the Indian Evangelical Team.

The extremists beat up the pastors, verbally abused them and accused them of ‘forceful’ conversion. They also took the Christians’ bike, cell phone and money. The injured pastors were taken to a private hospital by the village sarpanth.
No parties lodged a police complaint. The pastors decided to forgive the culprits.

Christian organisation attacked
Suspected Hindu extremists on November 25 attacked a Christian office and set ablaze their vehicle in Parkakhemundi, Gajapath, Orissa.

According to reports, the assailants stormed the India Gospel Outreach and Social Action (IGOSA) office and assaulted the director Rev. Niranjan Bardha before completely burning down the organization's vehicle. No other serious damaged was done to the office.

The Christian filed a complaint in Parlakhemundi police station. Police investigation is going on but no arrests has been made at press time. The IGOSA office is set up at an anti-Christian area and they face tremendous pressure and opposition from the Hindutva elements. The fanatics had also earlier attempted to burn down the jeep. Sporadic violence still occur in the state.

Orissa is ruled by a coalition of a local party, the Biju Janata Dal, and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which has a close ties with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.