INDIA: Healing the wounds of persecution three years after attacks

By John Pontifex

Christians displaced by violence in Orissa State, India in 2008. Photo © Diocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar

A call for renewed action to tackle religious intolerance has come from an archbishop in India's Orissa state.

Speaking on the anniversary of some of the worst anti-Christian violence in modern times, Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar said more work was needed to bring reconciliation in Kandhamal district, Orissa. Three years ago attacks on nearly 300 villages in the region caused the deaths of more than 70 people.

At least 25,000 people fled for their lives in the violence that was sparked by the 23rd August 2008 killing of political activist Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

Amid continuing tension and reports of a forthcoming rally by extremists, Archbishop Barwa said memorial events were not planned and that police were guarding main churches across Kandhamal.

During the August-September 2008 violence, more than 170 churches and chapels were attacked – in addition to the 100 others that came under fire during Christmas 2007 attacks in Kandhamal which prompted 3,000 to leave their homes.

Archbishop Barwa told Aid to the Church in Need: "Over the past three years, a lot has happened towards reconstruction and dialogue."

He went on: "But there are people who are still afraid. There is some progress towards peace and justice but there is still a lot more to be done."

The archbishop, who replaced fellow Divine Word Missionary (SVD) Archbishop Raphael Cheenath in February, said: "My message is clear: we need peace and tranquillity – no more violence, no killing. The Christian faithful have the right to be in Kandhamal. They are growing in faith."

He said a number of local groups in Kandhamal continued to create problems, blocking the provision of building materials and other supplies for Christian homes and churches.

"We have got justice for what happened in Kandhamal but we are a little discouraged. Lower ranking officials disturb us but the higher ranking ones are trying their best.

"Although good words are spoken about the need for justice, they are not always manifested in terms of action."

Underlining the progress in other areas, he said "most" of the people displaced in 2007-8 had now returned to Kandhamal, thanks in large part to the construction of more than 3,700 homes, a total expected to rise to 4,000 by the end of the year.

The archbishop went on to thank Aid to the Church in Need for its help in rebuilding churches damaged or destroyed by violence against Christians in India.

He went on: "Most of the main parish churches in Kandhamal have now been repaired or rebuilt but this is not the case with many of the smaller village churches and chapels."

The charity also provided around £26,000 for counselling and other trauma relief for victims of the atrocities.

Archbishop Barwa said: "We are all very grateful to those many people who have supported us with their help and their prayers."

The threat of political extremism targeting Christians is a continuing problem not just in Orissa but elsewhere in India. On Sunday night (21st August), St Mary's Catholic Church in Pune, western India, was attacked – the tabernacle partially burnt, religious paintings defaced with graffiti, and bibles and other religious books ripped and strewn across the floor.

Archbishop Barwa said: "The concerns we have continue – we have to work towards peace while maintaining our right to be here."

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• India
• Persecution

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