NEW DELHI — Two Christians have died in refugee camps from injuries sustained in Christmas season violence against Christians in the Kandhamal district of Orissa state. According to Christian leaders, their deaths push the overall toll to six. These attacks are widely believed to have been led by Hindu nationalist (Hindutva) groups beginning Dec. 24 in Kandhamal.
John Dayal, secretary general of the All India Christian Council, questions government treatment of Christian victims and what he believes is lax law enforcement and little concern for the Christians’ well-being. Alleging that forced conversion prompted the riots, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is demanding that activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations be monitored.
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