India churches warned of more violence to come

KANDHAMAL, India — Amid reports of forced conversion of Christians to Hinduism following an unprecedented spate of violence during Christmas in Orissa state’s Kandhamal district, federal intelligence sources have warned churches of the likelihood of more attacks. The intelligence department intercepted a letter by an extremist of a Hindu nationalist group stating members will renew efforts to spark tensions in Kandhamal district and neighboring Chhattisgarh state. The letter, written by extremist Murari Lal and sent to his colleague Saudan Singh, reveals that the group has planned an effort called “Mission 2008” to create more tensions for Christians.
“Our hope is to create Gujarat (state)-type communal frenzy in Orissa,” the letter says. “In Jashpur and Sarguja districts (of Chhattisgarh state), we have created a very good environment against Muslims and Christians.”