Christians in Orissa state, the victims of the recent wave of communal violence are now being told to 'Covert or Die' by Hindu fanatics.
The ultimatum issued by the Hindu extremists has forced some Christians to abandon their religion altogether, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), Bangalore based Christian advocacy group reported.
"I am forced to convert to Hinduism whether I like or dislike, I cannot say further and my life is in danger," Promond Digal 32, who belong the epic–centre of the violence in Kandhamal district told GCIC.
A clash over a decorative arch for the Christmas celebrations on December 24 led to large–scale communal violence and attacks on churches throughout the district. Four people were confirmed death while 95 Churches and 730 houses were burnt down or destroyed, according to All India Christian Council (AICC).
Earlier, fact finding team from the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) of India has accused Hindu fundamentalists of perpetrating “organised and pre–planned attacks” on the Christian community. The commission pointed possible involvement of organizations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, RSS and their affiliates.
However, AICC and GCIC have openly alleged the mentioned organizations to be responsible for the attacks on Christians.
Though the anti–Christian violence seems to have subsided, GCIC said, "The fundamentalists are going to individual families with guns and threatening them to become Hindus," even in mid–January.
Christians who have converted to Hinduism expressed their helplessness about changing their religion.
Mr. B. Digal 60, from Gochhapada village said, "Fundamentalists came and threatened me and my family and said if you do not change your religion prepare to leave the village or die, there was no other way than to accept Hinduism."
Catholic Christian, Samonary Digal under K. Nuagam Block in Kandhamal District said, "The RSS people warned me to prepare to die or to leave the place if you do not become Hindu. Finally I had to accept what they say."
Social worker R. Nayak said, "25 Dalit families of Mahasingh village under K. Nuagam Block have been converted to Hinduism on 25th December. They were forced to drink mixed water of cow dung, ghee and perform the Hindu ritual."
"They live under threat and convert then. They live under danger and panic."
Another who did not want to disclose his name said, "If you can not be a Hindu we will finish you off and set fire your entire house. I and my family have left the faith but God will remain with us."
Meanwhile, Pastor Hari Digal died at a make–shift camp at Baliguda. He hails from Borika village, about 95 Km away from Phulbani town, headquarter of Kandhamal district. Pastor Hari’s church and house were burnt and destroyed on Dec 26.
Relief organisations including Christian NGOs are not yet allowed to go into the violent torn districts. Food distribution from the state government seems to be improving, GCIC reported.
Nation
Orissa Christians Told to 'Convert or Die'
By: Bei Chatlai Beita
Tuesday, 22 January 2008, 9:26 (IST)
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Added: Thursday, 1 January 1970, 6:03 (IST)
Understanding Hindu political movement and its effects on Christians in India Dear Brother, The persecuation of Christians in Orissa once again showed that RSS and its fronts are actively involved in intolerence and hatred. This will definitely affect the social harmony in oveall Indian culture. Killing of innocents and burning people alive is not true Hinduism. Unfortuantely most hindus are now thinking it as bravery and courage. Hinduism is lead by politicians who have no religion but seek power and "kursi" and for that they will not afraid to sacrifice their own. Sabaramati Train event was deliberately and systematically blamed on Muslims and genocide was successfully conducted by BJP and Mr Narendra Modi. Mr Modi was denied entry in the US even though he was chief minister of Gujarat state of India. This big diplomatic decision from US didn't open Hindus' eyes and they worship Mody as protector.. Unfortunately Modi cannot offer peace because he is the one who takes away peace from Hindu minds. Hindus now live in constant fear and they give vote to Modi but still nothing could stop serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad. Did Hindus retaliate serial bomb blast? Unfortunately for them, after genocide muslims live in ghettos and prepared for all surprise attacks. So they cannot retaliate with any success. The people of Gujarat are now divided and it is time for Christians to create their own ghetto near Muslim ghetto for mutual protection and support. After Sabarmati incident Muslims were made scapegoat and after murder of a swami, Christians were made scapegoat. This is the pattern of RSS and Sangh Parivar to kill in the name of Hinduism and spread so much hatred and violence that Hindus will be blinded and choose RSS only. This political game is allowed by Hindus who call their religion as "Sanaatan" but ironically fear its end !!! Now there is no reason to trust Hindus. They have proved that they are blood-thirty fanatics who like to kill their victims by burning them alive. Hindu terrorism is worst of all and no one is safe in the Hindu dominated areas. Christian organisations should move new believers into those villages where there are more Christians. If needed, ghettos should be built for security against Hindu terrorism. Please read more at : http://www.geocities.com/pravin.togadiya/index.html Please read report on Orissa and pray for the victims of Hindu terrorism : http://www.geocities.com/pravin.togadiya/prayfororissa.html Your Indian brother, Pravin ------------------------------------------------- PLEASE CIRCUALTE THIS Comment TO ALL YOUR frineds.
Pravin, India
Added: Thursday, 1 January 1970, 6:03 (IST)
In this hour of Grieve , Sorrow and Fear we Muslims are with the Christian brothers , please my Christian brothers we arte not Terrorists as it is reported , we are always pushed to the Wall and as a last resort some of our Youths do take weapons or other Illegal acitvities which are against the principles of Islam , now what is happening in SOuth India and orrissa and Madhya Pradesh has shocked us , we never thought that even the Christians will be the targets of these blood thirsty Hindus , we have sufferred alot since Independence , according Governemtn records there have been 33,000 anti Muslim riots All over India and eve if if yoiu take as 20 killed per riots the figure will be over 660,000 or even more , and believe me brothers there has been no indictment , chargesheeting in any of the cases let alone , no one has ever been arrested in all these killings , it is good you people never faced so many riots in India but Muslims have not been so fortunate who have battered with umpteen riots , now we have become bold enough and we take it in our stride . As the Quran says " Whoever is killed in the cause of Allah will be preserved ' or in other words if one is killed , intimidated , harassed because of his beliefs, race , status , language will be special in the eyes of Allah Almighty and we thank the Hindus for giving our Martyrs this Status , we are proud of our Martyrs , we have Hundreds of Thousands of them who always Guide us , protect us and they will continue to do so , Insha Allah Ameen .
Tanvir Ahmed, Secret , India
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