KANDHAMAL, India — A policeman was killed Sept. 16, the body of another victim of Hindu extremist violence was discovered and more houses and churches were burned in Orissa state’s Kandhamal district even as anti-Christian violence spread to at least five more states across India over the Sept. 13 weekend.
Christians and churches were targeted in Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand following violence in Orissa that began following the assassination of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples in Kandhamal district Aug. 23.
A mob of about 500 rioters killed a policeman and burned down a police station Sept. 16 in Orissa’s Kandhamal district, where Hindu extremists launched a spate of attacks three weeks prior, blaming local Christians of killing Saraswati and his disciples. Maoists have claimed responsibility for the murders of the Hindu leaders.
While the body of another person was found and at least 14 houses were burned Sept. 14, a church and several houses were set ablaze on the previous day. Authorities found the body of Purander Naik, who had fled to a relief camp where mainly Christians had taken refuge, in his village of Nilungia.
“Naik was at the G. Udayagiri relief camp for over 10 days but had left for his village to see the condition of his house and poultry,” The Statesman reported. “His family was at the relief camp. Apparently he was killed during his visit to the village.”
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