Koya tribal Christians beaten by Hindu extremists

MURLIGUDA, India — Hindu extremists have attacked Koya tribal Christians in villages in a remote area of Orissa state at least 15 times since Dec. 8, 2010, Christian leaders said. In the latest incident in Murliguda, about 50 miles from Malkangiri town, about 60 assailants from the Hindu extremist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Feb. 23 damaged the eardrums of Bhadan Hontal and beat another Christian, Markari Soma, until he fell unconscious.

Christian women — some pregnant — as well as children were among those injured in the attacks on churches, reported Pastor Vijay Purusu of Bethel Church. The spate of attacks began Dec. 8 in Katanpali village, when about 35 Hindu extremists stormed the house of Pastor Mark Markani and beat him. Christians have suffered midnight raids on prayer meetings in which they have been beaten, he said, resulting in some Christians fleeing their homes and going into hiding. At least four families have left their village and not returned due to extremist warnings.

“There is great fear among the people because of the threats they received from the extremists,” Purusu said. “Persecution against the Christians has become a daily occurrence in the area.”