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{{POV|date=September 2008}} {{EngvarB|date=February 2014}}
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]]]
] between ] and ] groups in the state of ], ], has increased over the past decade.
The tension in the region, amongst people of different caste and tribes, has been on a plethora of issues, some of which include economic challenges, caste inequality and religious intolerance. The major debate between the Hindu and the Christian communities has been the issue of religious conversion.


]]]
==Missionaries in Orissa==


'''Religious violence in Odisha''' consists of ] and ]s in the remote forest region surrounding the ] in the western parts of the Indian state of ].
Baptist Christian missionaries began their work in Orissa in 1822 during the British rule<ref>A Narrative of the Mission to Orissa: (the Site of the Temple of Jugurnath) : Supported by the New Connexion of General Baptists in England
By Amos Sutton, Published by David Marks for the Free-will Baptist Connexion, 1833</ref>.


The Kandhamal district contains several tribal reservations where only tribal people can own land. The largest community in Kandhamal is the ] tribe. Most Kandha tribal people follow tribal and ] forms of ]. However, the socio-economic and political landscape of Kandhamal is dominated by its second-largest community, the non-tribal Pana caste. The region is also home to the ] ], a revolutionary ] movement. Maoist leader ] stated groups tend to recruit most of their leaders and cadre insurgents from tribal communities. He reiterated the Maoists's religious position: "We do not believe in any religion or are attached to any religious groups. We are not in favour of any religion."<ref> '']'' - 5 October 2008</ref>
Orissa has been historically known in Europe as the region where the oft-mentioned ] (the chariot of the temple of Jagannath at Puri)is located<ref>http://www.hinduonnet.com/edu/2001/10/30/stories/2001103000070202.htm Is `juggernaut' derived from Lord Jagannath? </ref>.
Franciscan missionary Friar Odoric visited India in the 14th Century and wrote about his visit to Puri in a journal, which he published in Europe later on. In his journal, Odoric wrote in detail about the huge chariot of Jagannath taken out annualy during the annual ]. According to Odoric, the people were offering themselves as sacrifice to the the Hindu god. The Friar's account of the human sacrifice spread throughout Europe and by the 19th Century "juggernaut" began to be associated with a massive object, which destroyed everything in its path.


Major issues in Kandhamal that have led to tensions are claims that "The Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act" is violated. Such claims include the forcible occupation of tribal land, fake issuance of tribal and exploiting tribals for insurgent activities. This previously resulted in civil unrest and communal tensions in 1986, 1994 and 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/quota-conversion-fueled-kandhamal-riots-panel/96260-3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704144310/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/quota-conversion-fueled-kandhamal-riots-panel/96260-3.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 July 2009 |title=Panel gives report on Kandhamal riots - India News - IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/AR%28E%290809.pdf |title=fresh samples |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721173135/http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/AR(E)0809.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/orissa-tribal-community-accuses-state-government-of-bias_100191197.html |title=Orissa tribal community accuses state government of bias - Thaindian News |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=12 May 2009 |access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/oct/05orissa1.htm |title=Why Swami Laxmanananda was killed |work=Rediff.com |date=31 December 2004 |access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410014507/http://www.socialjustice.nic.in/poa-act.pdf|date=10 April 2009}}</ref>
Orissa is one of the poorest regions of India. The missionaries have been very successful in several disticts of Orissa where the Christians now form a significant fraction of the population.


==Staines killing== ==Background==


===Historical background of conversions===
] was an ] missionary working with the ] (EMSM). He managed the Mission at ] from ], and helped establish the ] Leprosy Home. He was a fluent ] speaker, who was popular among the patients whom he helped rehabilitate after being cured.<ref>. The Indian Express. Jan 26, 1999</ref> On the night of January 22, 1999, he had attended an annual gathering of Christians in ] district. In the night he was sleeping in his ] when it was set afire by a Hindu mob. Graham and his two sons, 10-year-old Philip and six-year-old Timothy, were burnt alive.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7166297.stm BBC Article Regarding Orissa Violence</ref>. The killings led to a nationwide uproar, with the needle of suspicion pointing to the involvement of the Bajrang Dal, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) affiliate. Its campaign against Christian missionaries for the alleged conversion of tribal people in the region apparently influenced Dara Singh and his apparent accomplice.<ref>http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024003902400.htm The Staines case verdict</ref>
] ] ] visited India in the 14th century and wrote about his visit to ] in a journal which he later published in Europe. In the journal, Odoric wrote in detail about a huge chariot containing idols of ] deities from the grand and famous ] temple which is taken out annually in a procession known as the ]. Odoric's account of the ceremony spread throughout Europe and by the 19th century the word ] began to be associated with an unstoppable force of such proportions that is capable of destroying everything in its path.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/edu/2001/10/30/stories/2001103000070202.htm|title=Is 'juggernaut' derived from Lord Jagannath?|access-date=28 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307144244/http://www.hinduonnet.com/edu/2001/10/30/stories/2001103000070202.htm|archive-date=7 March 2008|url-status=usurped|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Subsequently, ] missionaries came to Odisha in 1822 during the ]'s colonial rule over India.<ref>A Narrative of the Mission to Orissa: (the Site of the Temple of Jugurnath): Supported by the New Connexion of General Baptists in England By Amos Sutton, Published by David Marks for the Free-will Baptist Connexion, 1833</ref>


===After India's independence===
On September 22, 2003 an appointed court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sentenced ] to death and 12 others to life imprisonment for the murder of the Australian ] and his two minor sons, Phillip and Timothy. John Staines, elder brother of Graham Staines, demanded mercy for all the convicts. Even the widow of ] stated that she had forgiven the killers of her husband and two children. She said, "Forgiveness brings healing and our land ] needs healing from hatred and violence. Forgiveness and the consequences of the crime should not be mixed up." <ref>http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024003902400.htm The Staines case verdict</ref>
The communal disharmony arose even before ] in 1947 on aforementioned issue of religious conversion. Conversions have been legislated by the provisions of the ] (acts replicated in numerous other parts through India). Odisha was the first provinces of independent India to enact legislation in regards to religious conversions. The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, mentions that no person shall "convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to another by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/orissa_freedom_of_religion_act-text_only.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-09-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226095619/http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/orissa_freedom_of_religion_act-text_only.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="religionrules"/> Christian missions have been active in Odisha among the tribals and ] from the early years of the twentieth century. Right-wing Hindus have alleged that the increase in the number of Christians in Odisha has been a result of an exploitation of illiteracy and impoverishment by the missionaries in contravention of the law, instead of ].<ref>{{dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref>
]


===Conversion controversy===
==December 2007==
Behind the clashes are long-simmering tensions between equally impoverished groups: the ] tribe, who are 80% of the population, and the ]. Both are original inhabitants of the land. There has been an Indian tradition of ]. ]s, considered ] people, are subject to social and economic discrimination. This is outlawed in the ], however, the prejudices remain. Conversion from untouchability has encouraged millions of such people to escape from their circumstances through joining other religions. The Panas have converted to Christianity in large numbers and prospered financially.<ref name=" IBNCHRISTIAN">{{cite web|title=Caste, tribe, conversion make Orissa district volatile|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/caste-tribe-conversion-make-orissa-district-volatile/55272-3.html}}</ref> Over the past several decades, most of the Panas have become ].<ref name="nyt">{{Cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/world/asia/13india.html | work=The New York Times | title=Hindu Threat to Christians: Convert or Flee | first=Somini | last=Sengupta | date=13 October 2008 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>
===Christmas violence===
On December 22, 2007: the Church authorities informed the Sub-Collector that they apprehended trouble on Christmas and asked the district administration to take the necessary measures to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting the situation to create the trouble. Church authorities informed the Sub-Collector that the Kui Samaj had given a call for a bandh on 25-26
December to press their demands regarding various issues. They requested the district authorities to remain alert and preempt any trouble. <ref>{{citeweb | url= http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf | title= Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008 |publisher=NCM |accessdate = 2008-08-26}}</ref>


Hindu nationalist groups have blamed the violence on the issue of religious conversion. Conversions have been legislated by the provisions of the Freedom of Religion Acts, replicated in some of the states in India. Odisha was the first state of independent India to enact legislation on religious conversions. The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, stipulates that 'no person shall "convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to another by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means"'.<ref name="religionrules">{{cite web|url=http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/orissa_freedom_of_religion_rules-text_only.pdf|title=Orissa Freedom of Religion Rules, 1989|access-date=18 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162421/http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/orissa_freedom_of_religion_rules-text_only.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="religionact">{{cite web|url=http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/orissa_freedom_of_religion_act-text_only.pdf|title=Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967|access-date=18 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226095619/http://indianchristians.in/news/images/resources/pdf/orissa_freedom_of_religion_act-text_only.pdf|archive-date=26 February 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Hindus claim the Christian missionaries were converting poor tribal people by feeding them beef, which is ] in Hinduism.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
On 23 December 2007, Chrisitians of ] village tried to erect a gate in front of a hindu place of worship. This incident led to clashes between Christian and Hindu communities. Swami Lakshamananda who visited the site was attacked by a group of chrisitians. This led to further clashes between kondh tribals and christians.<ref></ref>


The missionaries would upgrade the mud houses of the converts into brick-lime. Hindus have further alleged that the increase in the number of Christians in Odisha has been a result of exploitation of illiteracy and impoverishment by the missionaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20080926251902600.htm |title=Conversion debate |publisher=Flonnet.com |access-date=18 September 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="orissa1">{{cite web|url=http://www.orissa.gov.in/p%26c/ |title=Planning & Coordination |publisher=Orissa.gov.in |access-date=18 September 2008}}</ref> The Census of India shows that Christian population in Kandhamal grew from around 43,000 in 1981 to 117,950 in 2001.<ref> Census of India 2001</ref>
Government had to impose curfew in order to control the situation.
<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200712272184.htm
| title = Violence continues at Orissa's Kandhamal district
| Publisher = The Hindu
| Access Date = 2008-01-01 }}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/27/stories/2007122750280100.htm | title = Curfew continues in four Orissa towns | Publisher = The Hindu | Access Date = 2008-01-01 }}</ref>


==Staines killing==
The attacks occurred against Christian community and were triggered after an assault on ] leader Laxamanananda Saraswati, who leads an anti-conversion movement. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.newsweek.com/id/81970/page/1 | title = Christians fear attacks by Indian Hindus | Publisher = newsweek | article date = 2007-12-29 | access date = 2008-01-01}}</ref>. The ] claimed that the December 2007 attacks on Christians were not spontaneous but preplanned by the ] and other ] groups.<ref> {{cite press release
] was an Australian Christian ] working with the ], an Australian missionary society that was engaged in the education of poor and illiterate indigenous tribes in Odisha. He also worked among the ] patients in the region. On the night of 22 January 1999, he was sleeping in his ] when it was set afire. Graham and his two sons, ten-year-old Philip and six-year-old Timothy, were killed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7166297.stm|title= Indian minister in Orissa visit|date=2 January 2008|access-date=18 September 2008 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="Chatterji">{{cite book|first1=Angana P.|last1=Chatterji|title=Violent Gods: Hindu Nationalism in India's Present; Narratives from Orissa|url=https://archive.org/details/violentgodshindu00chat|url-access=registration|year=2009|publisher=Three Essays Collective|isbn=978-8188789450 |page=}}</ref> ], a Hindu fundamentalist from ] in ], was arrested for the crime. On 22 September 2003 a court appointed by the ] sentenced Dara Singh to death and 12 others to life imprisonment for the murders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024003902400.htm|title=The Staines case verdict|access-date=28 June 2015|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901033038/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024003902400.htm|archive-date=1 September 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| title = Suffering of Orissa's Christians Presented to National Human Rights Commission of India
| publisher = All India Christian Council AICC
| date = ] ]
| format = html
| language = English
| url = http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/1799/42/
| accessdate = 2008-01-01
| quote =
}}</ref>. This was confirmed by the National Commission for Minorities report.<ref>{{citeweb | url= http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf | title= Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008 |publisher=NCM |accessdate = 2008-08-26}}</ref>


Dara Singh, as an active ] follower, was suspected of being involved in a larger conspiracy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/08021999/cover.html |title=Cover Story: Staines' Killing: Burning Shame |publisher=India-today.com |date=8 February 1999 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122064735/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/08021999/cover.html |archive-date=22 November 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> However, the Wadhwa Commission ruled out the involvement of any organization in the killings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024003902400.htm|title=The Staines case verdict|date=10 October 2003|publisher=Frontline|access-date=18 September 2008|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901033038/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2021/stories/20031024003902400.htm|archive-date=1 September 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In May 2005, the Odisha High Court commuted Singh's sentence to life imprisonment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/may/19staines.htm |title=Staines murder: Dara Singh's death rap set aside |work=Rediff.com |access-date=19 September 2008}}</ref>
On December 23, 2007: ] affiliated ] organizations organized a march, rallying, "Stop Christianity. Kill Christians." <ref> http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/1826/45/ </ref>Suspecting rising tension, some Dalit Christian leaders lodge a complaint with the Police for protection. <ref>{{citeweb | title=Vandals in Orissa| url=http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/opinion/op-ed/vandals-in-orissa.aspx | publisher= Asian Age | accessdate- January 9, 2008}}</ref>


The murders were widely condemned by religious and civic leaders, politicians, and journalists. The US-based ] accused the then Indian Government of failing to prevent violence against Christians, and of exploiting ] tensions for political ends. The organisation said attacks against Christians increased "significantly" since the "]" BJP came to power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/626979.stm|title=Missionary 'killer' arrested in India|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> Then-Prime Minister of India, ], a leader of BJP, condemned the "ghastly attack" and called for swift action to catch the killers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/261391.stm|title=Thousands mourn missionary's death|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> Published reports stated that church leaders alleged the attacks were carried out at the behest of hardline Hindu organisations. Hindu hardliners accused Christian missionaries of forcibly converting poor and low-caste Hindus and tribals. The convicted killer Dara Singh was treated as a hero by hardline Hindus and reportedly protected by some villagers. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, one of the accused killers, Mahendra Hembram, stated that the killers "were provoked by the "corruption of tribal culture" by the missionaries, who they claimed fed villagers beef and gave women brassieres and sanitary towels."
On 23 December 2007, Chrisitians of ] village tried to erect a gate in front of a Hindu place of worship. This incident led to a clash between Christian and Hindu communities. Swami Lakshamananda, who visited the site, was attacked by Christians. This led to further clashes between Kondh tribals and Christians.<ref></ref>


In her affidavit before the Commission on the death of her husband and two sons, Gladys Staines stated:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hvk.org/specialrepo/wadhwa/Graham.html|title=Graham Stewart Staines: His Background|date=9 April 2011|access-date=28 December 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409123228/http://www.hvk.org/specialrepo/wadhwa/Graham.html|archive-date=9 April 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On 24 December a group of 150-200 people started demanding that an arch put across the road by Christians should be removed in Brahmanigaon even though the Christian community had received official permission for putting up the pandal and for the
use of loud speakers. The district administration confirmed the grant of permission. <ref>{{citeweb | url= http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf | title= Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008 |publisher=NCM |accessdate = 2008-08-26}} </ref> The outbreak of violence started on 24th December, 2007 at 8.00 a.m. at Bamunigam village, close to the police station under Daringibadi Block of Kandhamal District. Some Hindu activists <ref> >{{citeweb | url = http://tehelka.com/story_main37.asp?filename=Ne190108next_stop.asp |publisher=Tehalka |accessdate = 2008-09-08}} </ref> forcefully removed the Christmas decoration, which the Ambedkar Baniko Sangho comprising the local Christian entrepreneurs, had put up as a preparation for Christmas, with the permission from the administration <ref>{{citeweb | url= http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf | title= Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008 |publisher=NCM |accessdate = 2008-08-26}}</ref>. This was followed by exchange of hot words between two groups. Within a few minutes a group of people who were stationed close by pounced on the members of Ambedkar Baniko Sangho with sticks, knives and guns. Two shots were fired into the air. People dispersed out of fear. About 20 shops belonging to Christians were destroyed. There was also widespread looting of property.


"The Lord God is always with me to guide me and help me to try to accomplish the work of Graham, but I sometimes wonder why Graham was killed and also what made his assassins behave in such a brutal manner on the night of 22nd/23rd January 1999. It is far from my mind to punish the persons who were responsible for the death of my husband Graham and my two children. But it is my desire and hope that they would repent and would be reformed."
On the second day, 25th December, the crowd came back and destroyed church buildings in the Bamunigam area{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. Then they entered the Christian villages and burnt houses and property, telling the residents to leave. Many Sangh Parivar members bearing symbolic tilaks incited the local Hindus into rioting{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. The mob consisted of about 4,000 people. Official estimates stated that 20 per cent of the mob comprised people from Barkahama, 80 per cent from surrounding Baliguda, Raikia, Phulbani, as far away as Beherampur. <ref>{{citeweb | title=Vandals in Orissa| url=http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/opinion/op-ed/vandals-in-orissa.aspx | publisher= Asian Age | accessdate- January 9, 2008}}</ref>


==Ranalai incident==
By December 29, 2007 nearly 700 persons, mostly Christians, had to move to government-run relief camps to avoid attacks. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.newsweek.com/id/81970/page/1 | title = Christians fear attacks by Indian Hindus | Publisher = newsweek | article date = 2007-12-29 | access date = 2008-01-01}}</ref>


On 16 March 1999 a ] mob of 5,000 attacked Ranalai (PIN – 761 017) in Gajapati District and set houses on fire<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main40.asp?filename=Ne130908HindutvasViolentHistory.asp |title=Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine |access-date=2014-02-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221170851/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main40.asp |archive-date=21 February 2014 |df=dmy-all }} Tehelka magazine Vol 5, Issue 36, Dated Sept 13, 2008</ref><ref>Volume 16 – Issue 8, 10 – 23 Apr 1999, India’s National Magazine from the publishers of The Hindu</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1608/16080360.htm|title=Another attack in Orissa|website=www.frontline.in|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> and engaged in ]. Three Christian people were injured. The then Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri ], visited the village the next day.
By December 30, rioting started to get under control by the security forces such as the ]. For the first time since the violence started, church services were held under tight security. The total number of security personnel deployed was about 2,500 police and paramilitary. The total number of people taking shelter in relief camps increased to 1200. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=415899&archisec=REG | title = Sunday services held amid tight security in Orissa | article date = 2007-12-30 |access date = 2008-01-02}}</ref>


==December 2007==
On Jan 1, 2008 further violence was reported at several places Police said at least 20 houses and shops were torched at Phiringia, Khajuripada, Gochapada and Brahmanigaon by rioters on Tuesday night (January 1, 2008) <ref>{{ cite web | publisher= Press Trust of India as seen in Indian Express | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/257086.html |title= Fresh violence in Kandhamal, Patil promises compensation | accessdate= 2006-01-03}}</ref>

===Response===
The Prime Minister of India and other political parties condemned the violence. <ref>{{cite web | Publisher=The Hindu | url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/27/stories/2007122750280100.htm | title = Curfew continues in four Orissa towns | accessdate= 2008-01-01}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=415898&archisec=NAT | title= http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=415898&archisec=NAT | date = 2007-12-30 | accessdate = 2008-01-02}}</ref>

Taking serious note of the attacks on churches and Christians in Orissa, the ] (NCM) sought a report from the state government on the violence in four towns of ] <ref>{{Cite web | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Orissa_violence_NCM_seeks_report/articleshow/2655416.cms | title = Orissa violence: NCM seeks report | date = 2007-12-27 | accessdate = 2008-01-01 }}</ref>

Organization such as the ] (HRW) alleged that the December 2007 violence was in continuation to an "anti Christian" campaign being run by extremist Hindu groups for several years and that the government officials had been ignoring such injustice. <ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200712291638.htm | title = HRW seeks end to Hindu-Christian violence in Orissa | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2007-12-29 | accessdate = 2008-01-01}} </ref>

Union Home minister ] visited relief camps and promised compensation to the victims of the communal riot. He asked the Orissa Government, led by Chief Minister ], to probe the riots instead of entirely depending on the reports of the judicial commission of inquiry. There were allegation that the pro BJP government of Orissa had been slow in reacting to violence. <ref>{{ cite web | publisher= Press Trust of India as seen in Indian Express | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/257086.html |title= Fresh violence in Kandhamal, Patil promises compensation | accessdate= 2006-01-03}}</ref>

The Orissa government ordered a Judicial enquiry on the violence. Retired justice of Orissa High Court Basudev Panigrahi, ], will lead the commission that would probe the incidents under the commission of inquiry act. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/071228/43/6oyhn.html | title = Retired judge to probe Orissa riots as police firing kills four| publisher = IANS as reported on Yahoo! News | articledate = 2007-12-28 | accessdate= 2008-01-03}}</ref>

A three-member fact finding committee, led by National Integration Council,strongly criticized the ruling ]- ] government in Orissa state, saying that it (Orissa government) had shown callous indifference to a tragedy that was waiting to happen. <ref>{{citeweb | url= http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080037827&ch=1/7/2008%2010:20:00%20PM | title=Orissa: Panel slams govt, demands probe |articledate = January 6, 2008 |publisher=NDTV |accessdate = 2008-01-09}}</ref>

=== National Commission for Minorities report ===

The ], a body constituted by the ] to monitor and evaluate the progress of people classified as minorities by the Indian government. The minorities commission was given the task of analyzing the facts that emerged as a aftermath of the December 2007 Christmas violence. <br />The report concluded:<ref>{{citeweb | url= http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf | title= Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008 |publisher=NCM |accessdate = 2008-08-26}}</ref> :

:1. Throughout the fact finding mission one question rose again and again and this was whether the choice of 25th December for holding a bandh by the Kuis was a mere co-incidence. A second bandh called by Swami Lakshmananda to protest the attack on his car was also fixed for the same day. We find it difficult to believe that this too was entirely fortuitous. The authorities were warned well in advance by the Christians that trouble was brewing during the Christmas season. In this background it is extremely difficult to understand why the district authorities did not take active steps to defiuse the situation and ensure that peace was maintained.
:2. The official accounts sought to stress the complexity of the situation in Kandhamal district and attributed the violence to the confusion over the High Court Order on the inclusion of SC Christians in the ST category which is vehemently opposed by the Kui tribes in the area. The situation is certainly complex and overlaid with multi-layered contradictions. The conflation of castetribe-communal issues has contributed to the aggravation of social conflicts in this area. But none of this complexity detracts from the principal issue which is that the Christian minority was the target of organised attacks. The State agencies if they had been vigilant could have prevented the violence arising out of the two bandhs on Christmas.
:3. The State Government must look into the speeches of Swami Lakshmananda to determine whether they amount to incitement to violence and take appropriate action.
:4. The State Government must issue a White Paper on the conversion issue to dispel fears and suspicions that have been assiduously raised about the Christian community and the role of its institutions.
:5. Rehabilitation package announced by the Orissa Government needs to be reviewed to provide rehabilitation keeping in view the actual loss suffered by the victims of violence.
:6. Augmenting the number of police personnel and providing them with adequate training and equipment was also imperative. Moreover for reasons that have not been explained the State Government was reluctant in reaching out to civil society and NGOs working as they do work at the grassroots can provide authorities with advance information about simmering tension and co-operate in the prevention of such incidents.
:7. Orissa does not have a State Minorities Commission. The State Government must take the necessary steps to set up a statutory Minorities Commission for safeguarding the rights of minorities.
:8. The confusion created by the High Court Order needs to be swiftly cleared to prevent further outbreak of tensions between STs and SCs. The government must address the obvious tensions that will arise from the different treatment given in the matter of reservation to Christians belonging to the SC community and the ST community. If Christian tribals are backward Christian SCs are no less so. To create an artificial distinction between the two is simply to communalise poverty and drive a wedge between two homogenous groups who are among the most deprived. The group therefore, recommends that the reservation given to Christian tribals should be extended to cover Christian SCs who are of exactly the same background and are subject to exactly the same disadvantage.
:9. None of the above must detract from the social and economic backwardness of the district. Every indicator points to acute poverty, illiteracy, ill-health, lack of infrastructure, in short, an absence of development. Nearly two thirds of the people in this district live below the poverty line. Even as the authorities are called upon to show greater vigilance to prevent the outbreak of violence, the Government must urgently address issues of social exclusion and structural inequities.
:10. The terrible fact remains that in parts of Orissa Christians were unable to celebrate their most important festival. By preventing Christians from celebrating Christmas, the VHP and its affiliates have ensured that the minority should not be in a position to enjoy the rights guaranteed to it by the Constitution. The action of such forces is blot on the Republic a matter which deserves more attention and consideration from authorities both at the level of State and Centre.

== August 2008 violence ==
===Kandhmal background===
The Kandhamal district has 600,000 people of which 150,000 are Christians. Kandhamal has two different communities - the Kandha tribe and Paana caste. The Kandha tribe is 80% of the population and the rest belong to the ] ]. Kandhas are socially and economically backward while most Paanas have been improving economically. Paanas have also embraced Christianity in significant numbers. <ref name=" IBNCHRISTIAN">{{cite web |title=Caste, tribe, conversion make Orissa district volatile|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/caste-tribe-conversion-make-orissa-district-volatile/55272-3.html}}</ref>

===Lakshmanananda Murder===
On Saturday, ], ], the 85 year old ] leader ] Saraswati was killed at his Jalespata ashram in ] district in ], along with 4 disciples including a minor and a woman monk on the day of ].

On the night of the killing, Orissa ], Gopal Chandra Nanda, said: <blockquote>
“From the automatic weapons used it looks like the handiwork of Maoists”
</blockquote>

On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police Intelligence, Manmohan Praharaj, gave an update, saying:<blockquote>
“Whatever evidence we have got is consistent with the Maoist stamp in the kind of operation they undertake. The assailants had left a note written on the letterhead of Vamsadhara Zonal Committee, signed by one Azad, and it is consistent with the Maoist methods,”
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/354126.html|title=Four days after VHP leader’s murder, police still clueless|publisher=]|date=2008-08-28|accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref>
</blockquote>

On the following Saturday, an interview with Azad, a leader of the Maoist ], was published in a leading Orissa newspaper<ref name ="ToIaug30">{{cite web
| title = Maoists claim they killed 'fascist' VHP leader in Orissa
| publisher = ]
| date = 30 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Maoists_claim_Orissa_killing/articleshow/3423908.cms
| accessdate = 2008-08-31 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7591217.stm|title=India Christians shelter in camps |date=1 September 2008|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> . In the interview, Azad claimed responsibility for the killing of Saraswati, saying "We killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati to avenge his villainous role in Kandhmal".

Police have accused Azad of leading the attack himself and the government has opened a special investigation into the murders.<ref name="ToIaug30"/> Other sources within the police force say the Maoists could have carried out the operation to appease their Christian support base. <ref> NDTV - September 4, 2008 </ref>

However, Hindu groups in the state blamed Christians for killing Saraswati because of his opposition to religious conversion. Christian organisations, however, deny this claim.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} ] spokesperson ] on a ] debate said that the police had arrested workers of ], a Christian organization, for the killing.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} However, Deputy Inspector General (Southern Range) R.P. Koche in Bhubaneshwar categorically denied this and claimed that those were preventive arrests for interrogation. Jayakumar Christian ,the executive director of World Vision, India claimed that two employees were only given shelter in a police station for their own safety (“Orissa violence: lies and media reports”, by Vishal Arora, The Hoot, Aug. 28, 2008).
<ref>{{cite press release
| title = Christian groups didn't kill VHP leader: Sources
| publisher = NDTV
| date = Friday, August 29, 2008
| language = English
| url = http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063360
| accessdate = 2008-08-31
}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite press release
| title = Orissa violence: lies and media reports
| publisher = The Hoot
| date = Friday, August 27, 2008
| language = English
| url = http://www.thehoot.org/web/home/story.php?storyid=3286&mod=1&pg=1&sectionId=5&valid=true
| accessdate = 2008-08-31
}}</ref>

] reported on 5 September 2008 that an ], Justice on Trials, had dismissed claims of ] involvement in Lakshmananda's murder. <ref></ref> In January 2008, a fact finding commission, chaired by Additional Advocate General of ] G.S.Gill, toured the areas affected by the 2007 Christmas violence. Their report, published in ], quoted Lakshmananda as saying that Christians missionaries were trying to eliminate him for his opposition to conversion, and had attacked 8 times before. <ref>http://bharatam1.googlepages.com/kandhamal.pdf Justice on Trial report on Kandhmal violence </ref>

===Aftermath===
]

After the killing of Swami Lakshmananda, the ] called for a statewide shutdown on Monday, ], ]. On the same day, protesters burnt alive a 20-year-old woman in a christian orphanage at ] village in ] district. <ref>http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200808261929.htm</ref><ref>{{cite press release
| title = VHP bandh turns violent in Orissa, churches attacked
| publisher = All India Christian Council AICC
| date = ] ]
| format = html
| language = English
| url = http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/2327/45/
| accessdate = 2008-08-27
| quote =
}}</ref>.

State wide the protest by VHP and ] turned violent and led to widespread persecution of Christians. Many churches, prayer houses and other Christian institutions were attacked in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] districts.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} The events appeared to be instigated by statements made by leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council). Amit Sharma of the ] said Hindu people in the area had taken the death of the Swami "very seriously, and now they are going to pay them back." <ref>{{cite journal | title = Indian state erupts in violence after Hindu shot
| publisher = CNN Asia
| date = ] ]
| format = html
| language = English
| url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/27/india.religion.violence/index.html
| accessdate = 2008-08-29
}}</ref>
]]]

A curfew was imposed in all towns in Kandhamal. Despite this, large-scale violence and arson continued in Phulbani, Tumudibandh, Baliguda, Udaygiri, Nuagaon and Tikabali towns. The situation was so volatile that ], ], and other Congress leaders, who had arrived to visit the riot hit areas, were told by the state government that they could not do so and had to return to ].

By August 29, 2008 at least 20 people were killed and 3000 people were reported to be living in government run relief camps. 1000 homes had been set on fire. Many others had to flee into jungle, living without food or water. All nine towns in the district were under a curfew, and the police have license to shoot. <ref>{{cite press release
| title = Is violence affecting India's image
| publisher = NDTV
| date = 28 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url =http://www.ndtv.com/debate/showdebate.aspshow=1&story_id=476&template=kandhmal&category=
| accessdate = 2008-08-29
}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release
| title = Thousands homeless after Hindu-Christian violence in India
| publisher = International Herald Tribune
| date = 29 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url =http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/29/asia/29india.php
| accessdate = 2008-08-29
}}</ref>

On ], 2008 violence continued in several parts of the state. As a result curfew was imposed in Jeypore town of Orissa's Koraput district. Five police personnel were injured in mob violence. The state government sought additional para military forces to combat the continung violence. <ref>{{cite press release
| title = Orissa seeks more forces
| publisher = Press Trust of India
| date = Friday, August 31, 2008
| language = English
| url = http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/$all/734B313145EEC546652574B6005AC8B5
| accessdate = 2008-08-31
}}</ref>

On ], 2008 ] claimed the situation was under control. However, 558 houses and 17 places of worship were burnt in communal riots. 543 houses were burnt in the worst hit Kandhamal district. 12,539 people were fed in 10 relief camps, 783 people got the facilities in two relief camps in Rayagada district. In all, 12 companies of para-military forces, 24 platoons of Orissa State Armed Police, two sections of Armed Police Reserve forces and two teams of Special Operation Group (SOG) were deployed to control the riots.<ref name="558 houses, 17 places of worship torched during riot: Orissa govt">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/558_houses_17_places_of_worship_torched_during_riot_Orissa_govt/rssarticleshow/3431842.cms|title=558 houses, 17 places of worship torched during riot: Orissa govt|date=1 Sep 2008|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> '']'' reported that more than 10,000 Christians are living in refugee camps setup by government.

On September 7, 2008 ] leader Praveen Togadia threatend to launch an All-India agitation, if the killers of Laxmananand were not arrested.
<ref>{{cite press release
| title = Orissa violence: VHP threatens nationwide stir
| Author = IANS
| publisher = Economic Times
| date = 7 Sep, 2008, 2128 hrs IST
| language = English
| url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Orissa_violence_VHP_threatens_nationwide_stir/articleshow/3456001.cms | accessdate = 2008-09-07
}}</ref>


=== Incident at Brahmanigaon, Phulbani on 24 December ===
=== Political Fallout ===
In December 2007, Christians had installed a Christmas arch across the road in the town of Brahmanigaon, ], having first received a permit from the police and sub-] to do so. On 24 December 2007 a group of 150–200 Hindus arrived at the town market and demanded that the arch be removed. The protesters argued that the arch along with a tent set up was erected on the very site used by the Hindus to celebrate the Durga Puja festival in October. Protesters then sought to close the weekly market and attempted to close all the shops in the area. The Christian shopkeepers refused to comply with this, leading to an outbreak of violence. More than 20 shops were looted and
destroyed. Three persons were killed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://tehelka.com/story_main37.asp?filename=Ne190108next_stop.asp | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120715034654/http://tehelka.com/story_main37.asp?filename=Ne190108next_stop.asp | url-status = dead | archive-date = 15 July 2012 | publisher = Tehalka | title = Tehelka:: Free. Fair. Fearless:Next Stop Orissa | access-date = 8 September 2008 }}</ref><ref name="ref1">{{cite web| url= http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf | title= Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6–8 January 2008 |publisher=NCM |access-date = 26 August 2008}}</ref>


===Attack on Swami Laxmanananda===
The ruling government of Orissa, headed by ] ], was a coalition of the ] and the ] (BJD). In the 147-member state assembly the BJD-BJP combine has 93 members, 32 of whom are from the BJP.
The violence escalated after news spread about Hindu monk Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati being attacked by a Christian fundamentalist mob en route to the spot of the confrontation.


Saraswati stated that he had left for Brahmanigaon to boost the "morale of the majority community". The ], in its report, stated that this was "indicative of his desire to exacerbate communal tensions".<ref name="Ncm.orissa.report">{{cite journal|author=National Council for Minority|title=Report of the NCM visit to Orissa, 6-8 January 2008|date=January 2008|page=5|url=http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/orissa%20report.pdf|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> Swami supporters, however, claimed that Christians at Brahmanigoan village wanted to install a Christmas gate in front of a Hindu temple. This was protested by the local Hindus questioning the motive of Christians in building a second gate near temple while one gate being already present at the place.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kandhamal violence was due to localised factor |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jan/08guest.htm}}</ref>
Some BJP legislators blamed the government for not providing adequate protection to Saraswati, despite other attempts on his life. They called for withdrawing support from the government, which would lead to its collapse.


In his statement, Swami blamed ], a recent Christian convert and Congress Member of Parliament (Upper House) {{citation needed span| text=and chief of Christian group World Vision|date=August 2015}} that allegedly led to further clashes between Hindus and Christians.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/353136.html |title=Slain vhp man was conversion king |work=Indianexpress |archive-date=4 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104110758/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/slain-vhp-man-was-conversion-king/353136/ |access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="gpages">{{cite web |url=http://bharatam1.googlepages.com/kandhamal.pdf|title=Kandhamal (Orissa)|author=Justice on trial}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/61677/RSS-wing-blames-Cong-MP-for-triggering-communal-tension-in-Kandhamal.html|title=RSS wing blames Cong MP for triggering communal tension in Kandhamal|date=27 December 2007|access-date=29 September 2009|work=The Pioneer}}</ref>
On Wednesday September 4, 2008, India's Supreme Court ordered eastern Orissa state to report on steps taken to stop a wave of anti-Christian rioting that has claimed at least 16 lives. The supreme court also asked the Naveen Patnayak government to file an affidavit by September 4 explaining the circumstances under which it allowed VHP leader Praveen Togadia to carry out a procession with the Saraswati's ashes, an act that would clearly inflame further communal tension.<ref>http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/14995</ref><ref>http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g2HKL26IMn2CB3GEE2igPxWvkL0A</ref>


The authorities imposed a curfew in order to control the situation.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200712272184.htm|archive-url = https://archive.today/20121111012637/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/000200712272184.htm|url-status = usurped|archive-date = 11 November 2012|title = Violence continues at Orissa's Kandhamal district|work = The Hindu|access-date = 1 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/27/stories/2007122750280100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080103142028/http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/27/stories/2007122750280100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 3 January 2008 | title = Curfew continues in four Orissa towns | access-date = 1 January 2008 | location=Chennai, India | work = ] | date=27 December 2007}}</ref> Concerned with rising violence, after the assault on Saraswati, some ] leaders lodged a complaint with the Police for protection.<ref>{{cite news| title=Vandals in Orissa| url=http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/opinion/op-ed/vandals-in-orissa.aspx | newspaper= Asian Age | access-date= 9 January 2008}}</ref>
=== Response ===
{{IND}}'s Prime Minister ] called the Orissa violence a "shame" and offered all help from the Centre to end the communal clashes and restore normalcy. He said he would speak to Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik to urge him to take all necessary steps to end the violence.
<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PM_calls_Orissa_violence_a_shame/articleshow/3419084.cms{{cite press release
| title = PM calls Orissa violence a 'shame'
| publisher = Times of India
| date = 29 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PM_calls_Orissa_violence_a_shame/articleshow/3419084.cms
| accessdate = 2008-08-29
| quote =
}}</ref>


===Intervention by CRPF===
The church network - including the ], the ] and the ] - organized for all Christian institutions to remain closed on ], ] in protest. The ](AICC)also planned a sit-in outside the Orissa House in ] on the same day.{{Fact|date|date=September 2008}}
By 30 December, rioting was brought under control by the security forces such as the ]. The total number of security personnel deployed was about 2,500 police and paramilitary. The total number of people taking shelter in relief camps increased to 1200.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=415899&archisec=REG | title = Sunday services held amid tight security in Orissa | date = 30 December 2007 |access-date = 2 January 2008}}</ref>


== 2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal ==
{{VAT}} On Wednesday ], ], ] condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the priests and nuns being victimized. <ref>http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-35197320080827{{cite press release
| title = Pope deplores anti-Christian violence in Orissa {{Main|2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal}}
The ] started during 24 December 2007 and ended after 4 days between groups led by ] together with the Sangh-affiliated Kui Samaj and the local Christians, which resulted in more than 100 churches, over 100 church institutions and about 700 houses and other structures were burnt down or damaged and at least three people killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orissapost.com/3706-acquitted-in-kandhamal-riots/|title=3,706 acquitted in Kandhamal riots|date=2020-01-24|website=Orissa Post|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2007/12/29/india-stop-hindu-christian-violence-orissa|title=India: Stop Hindu-Christian Violence in Orissa|date=2007-12-29|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sabrang.com/cc/archive/2008/jan08/cover2.html|title=Kandhamal: Hindutva's terror- Charting the history of sangh parivar violence in Orissa|last=Chatterji|first=Angana|date=January 2008|website=]|access-date=2020-04-17}}</ref>
| publisher = Reuters India
| date = Wed Aug 27, 2008 3:22pm IST
| language = English
| url = http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-35197320080827
| accessdate = 2008-08-28
| quote =
}}</ref> He "firmly condemned" the violence and called upon Indian religious and civil authorities "to work together to restore peaceful co-existence and harmony between the different religious communities." In doing so he said: "I learnt with great sorrow the information concerning the violence against the Christian community in Orissa which broke out after the reprehensible assassination of the Hindu leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati."<ref>http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063156&ch=8/27/2008%207:43:00%20PM Pope 'firmly condemns' violence in Orissa</ref>


==2008 Kandhamal violence==
]
{{Main|2008 Kandhamal violence}}
]
During the ], violence occurred from 25 August 2008 to 28 August 2008 between groups led by ] organizations and ] in the ] of ]. It started after the murder of ] leader ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/BJP-MLA-convicted-in-Kandhamal-riots-case/article15908665.ece|title=BJP MLA convicted in Kandhamal riots case|date=2010-09-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-04-13|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is estimated that more than 395 churches, 5600 homes and 13 educational institutes were set on fire, demolished or vandalized during the attacks and more than 90 killed (largely Christians) and 18,000 injured and 54,000 displaced.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/It-s-still-religion--stupid/369086|title=It's still religion, stupid|date=4 October 2008|work=Indian Express|access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/892641/in-photos-damaged-churches-broken-homes-are-the-lingering-scars-of-the-2008-kandhamal-riots|title=In photos: Damaged churches, broken homes are the lingering scars of the 2008 Kandhamal riots|website=Scroll.in|date=5 September 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref> Another report said that around 11,000 people were still living in relief camps, as of October 2008.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.orissapost.com/plea-in-sc-for-sit-probe-into-kandhamal-riots/|title=Plea in SC for SIT probe into Kandhamal riots |date=2020-01-18|website=Orissa Post|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080070449|title=Orissa priest injured in communal violence dies|date=29 October 2008|publisher=NDTV.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201145609/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080070449|archive-date=1 December 2008|access-date=19 September 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/capturing-the-spark-that-led-to-communal-riot-in-kandhamal/articleshow/57178586.cms|title=Capturing the spark that led to communal riot in Kandhamal |date=February 16, 2017|first1=M. T. |last1=Saju |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref> Some tribals even fled away to border districts in neighbouring states and 310 villages were affected.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120852460300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211094033/http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120852460300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 December 2008|title=Christmas brings no cheer for them|date=8 December 2008|newspaper=]|access-date=28 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


In October 2008, a senior Maoist leader claimed responsibility for the murder of Laxmanananda and police officials also confirmed that the Maoists trained youth in the tribal community to murder Laxmanananda.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/oct/05orissa.htm|title=We killed Swami Laxmananda: Maoist leader|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/maoist-leader-claims-they-killed-swami-108100601070_1.html|title=Maoist leader claims they killed Swami|date=2008-10-06|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101757661200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020052157/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101757661200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2008|title=Maoists killed Lakshmanananda, say Orissa Police|date=17 October 2008|work=]|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
Human Rights Watch expressed extreme dismay on the mob violence against ] instigated by the ]. The organization also expressed concern on the state government's lack of intervention in the situation since the christmas violence. <ref>{{cite press release
| title = World Leaders Urged to Condemn Violence in Orissa
| publisher = Human Rights Watch
| date = 28 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url =http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/08/28/india19711.htm
| accessdate = 2008-08-29
}}</ref>


==Post-2008==
{{ITA}}'s Foreign Ministry called on India's ambassador to demand ‘incisive action’ to prevent further attacks against Christians.
According to the news agency ], other Christians were tortured and killed in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/31172-ASIA_INDIA_Christian_killed_in_Orissa_the_second_in_a_month_the_sixth_in_a_year |title=Christian killed in Orissa: the second in a month, the sixth in a year |publisher=Agenzia Fides |date=13 March 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190720092454/http://www.fides.org/en/news/31172-ASIA_INDIA_Christian_killed_in_Orissa_the_second_in_a_month_the_sixth_in_a_year |archive-date=20 July 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=20 July 2019 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite press release
| title = Italy calls Indian envoy over attacks on Christians
| Author = Reuters
| publisher = Indian Express
| date = 28 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url =http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Italy-calls-Indian-envoy-over-attacks-on-Christians/354556/
| accessdate = 2008-09-02
}}</ref>


In February 2019, a Christian evangelical who had converted to Christianity nine months earlier was murdered. It is believed that the 'Hindu fanatics' of the village incited Maoists to carry out the killing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Orissa, a Christian beheaded for his faith |date=20 February 2019 |website=Asianews |url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Orissa,-a-Christian-beheaded-for-his-faith-46300.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190220190543/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Orissa,-a-Christian-beheaded-for-his-faith-46300.html |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=20 July 2019 }}</ref>
The ](NHRC) sought a report from the Orissa government on the ongoing communal violence in the state.
<ref>{{cite press release
| title = NHRC issues notice to Orissa over violence
| Author = Press Trust of India
| publisher = Times of India
| date = 29 Aug 2008
| language = English
| url =http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063386
| accessdate = 2008-08-30
}}</ref>


==See also==
{{USA}} Commission on International Religious Freedom (]) an independent federal agency advising the US administration has demanded the Indian authorities take immediate steps to quell the violence and order a probe to find out the perpetrators of the attacks.
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==References==
"The continuing attacks targeting Christians represent the second major outbreak of religious violence in Orissa since December which underlines the pressing need for Indian government to develop preventive strategies," the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said. "Both state and central governments are responsible to protect every person's right to religious freedom, including members of religious minorities, as guaranteed in international human rights instruments," Commission Chair Felice D Gaer said in a statement.
{{reflist}}
<ref>{{cite press release
| title = USCIRF Urges Decisive Action by Central Government to Stop Communal Violence in Orissa
| Author = USCIRF
| publisher = USCIRF
| date = 03 Sept 2008
| language = English
| url =http://www.uscirf.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2261&Itemid=1
| accessdate = 2008-09-04
}}</ref>


== References == ==External links==
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Latest revision as of 00:05, 14 September 2024

Indian state of Odisha

Religious violence in Odisha consists of civil unrest and riots in the remote forest region surrounding the Kandhamal district in the western parts of the Indian state of Odisha.

The Kandhamal district contains several tribal reservations where only tribal people can own land. The largest community in Kandhamal is the Kandha tribe. Most Kandha tribal people follow tribal and animistic forms of Hinduism. However, the socio-economic and political landscape of Kandhamal is dominated by its second-largest community, the non-tribal Pana caste. The region is also home to the Maoist guerrillas, a revolutionary communist movement. Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda stated groups tend to recruit most of their leaders and cadre insurgents from tribal communities. He reiterated the Maoists's religious position: "We do not believe in any religion or are attached to any religious groups. We are not in favour of any religion."

Major issues in Kandhamal that have led to tensions are claims that "The Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act" is violated. Such claims include the forcible occupation of tribal land, fake issuance of tribal and exploiting tribals for insurgent activities. This previously resulted in civil unrest and communal tensions in 1986, 1994 and 2001.

Background

Historical background of conversions

Franciscan missionary Friar Odoric visited India in the 14th century and wrote about his visit to Puri in a journal which he later published in Europe. In the journal, Odoric wrote in detail about a huge chariot containing idols of Hindu deities from the grand and famous Jagannath temple which is taken out annually in a procession known as the rath yatra. Odoric's account of the ceremony spread throughout Europe and by the 19th century the word juggernaut began to be associated with an unstoppable force of such proportions that is capable of destroying everything in its path. Subsequently, Baptist missionaries came to Odisha in 1822 during the British Empire's colonial rule over India.

After India's independence

The communal disharmony arose even before Indian independence in 1947 on aforementioned issue of religious conversion. Conversions have been legislated by the provisions of the Freedom of Religion Acts (acts replicated in numerous other parts through India). Odisha was the first provinces of independent India to enact legislation in regards to religious conversions. The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, mentions that no person shall "convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to another by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means". Christian missions have been active in Odisha among the tribals and backward Hindu castes from the early years of the twentieth century. Right-wing Hindus have alleged that the increase in the number of Christians in Odisha has been a result of an exploitation of illiteracy and impoverishment by the missionaries in contravention of the law, instead of free will.

Conversion controversy

Behind the clashes are long-simmering tensions between equally impoverished groups: the Kandha tribe, who are 80% of the population, and the Pana. Both are original inhabitants of the land. There has been an Indian tradition of untouchability. Dalits, considered lower caste people, are subject to social and economic discrimination. This is outlawed in the Indian constitution, however, the prejudices remain. Conversion from untouchability has encouraged millions of such people to escape from their circumstances through joining other religions. The Panas have converted to Christianity in large numbers and prospered financially. Over the past several decades, most of the Panas have become Dalit Christians.

Hindu nationalist groups have blamed the violence on the issue of religious conversion. Conversions have been legislated by the provisions of the Freedom of Religion Acts, replicated in some of the states in India. Odisha was the first state of independent India to enact legislation on religious conversions. The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, stipulates that 'no person shall "convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to another by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means"'. Hindus claim the Christian missionaries were converting poor tribal people by feeding them beef, which is taboo in Hinduism.

The missionaries would upgrade the mud houses of the converts into brick-lime. Hindus have further alleged that the increase in the number of Christians in Odisha has been a result of exploitation of illiteracy and impoverishment by the missionaries. The Census of India shows that Christian population in Kandhamal grew from around 43,000 in 1981 to 117,950 in 2001.

Staines killing

Graham Staines was an Australian Christian missionary working with the Evangelical Missionary Society of Mayurbhanj, an Australian missionary society that was engaged in the education of poor and illiterate indigenous tribes in Odisha. He also worked among the leprosy patients in the region. On the night of 22 January 1999, he was sleeping in his station wagon when it was set afire. Graham and his two sons, ten-year-old Philip and six-year-old Timothy, were killed. Dara Singh, a Hindu fundamentalist from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for the crime. On 22 September 2003 a court appointed by the Central Bureau of Investigation sentenced Dara Singh to death and 12 others to life imprisonment for the murders.

Dara Singh, as an active Bajrang Dal follower, was suspected of being involved in a larger conspiracy. However, the Wadhwa Commission ruled out the involvement of any organization in the killings. In May 2005, the Odisha High Court commuted Singh's sentence to life imprisonment.

The murders were widely condemned by religious and civic leaders, politicians, and journalists. The US-based Human Rights Watch accused the then Indian Government of failing to prevent violence against Christians, and of exploiting sectarian tensions for political ends. The organisation said attacks against Christians increased "significantly" since the "Hindu Nationalist" BJP came to power. Then-Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee, a leader of BJP, condemned the "ghastly attack" and called for swift action to catch the killers. Published reports stated that church leaders alleged the attacks were carried out at the behest of hardline Hindu organisations. Hindu hardliners accused Christian missionaries of forcibly converting poor and low-caste Hindus and tribals. The convicted killer Dara Singh was treated as a hero by hardline Hindus and reportedly protected by some villagers. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, one of the accused killers, Mahendra Hembram, stated that the killers "were provoked by the "corruption of tribal culture" by the missionaries, who they claimed fed villagers beef and gave women brassieres and sanitary towels."

In her affidavit before the Commission on the death of her husband and two sons, Gladys Staines stated:

"The Lord God is always with me to guide me and help me to try to accomplish the work of Graham, but I sometimes wonder why Graham was killed and also what made his assassins behave in such a brutal manner on the night of 22nd/23rd January 1999. It is far from my mind to punish the persons who were responsible for the death of my husband Graham and my two children. But it is my desire and hope that they would repent and would be reformed."

Ranalai incident

On 16 March 1999 a Hindu mob of 5,000 attacked Ranalai (PIN – 761 017) in Gajapati District and set houses on fire and engaged in looting. Three Christian people were injured. The then Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri Giridhar Gamang, visited the village the next day.

December 2007

Incident at Brahmanigaon, Phulbani on 24 December

In December 2007, Christians had installed a Christmas arch across the road in the town of Brahmanigaon, Kandhamal district, having first received a permit from the police and sub-collector to do so. On 24 December 2007 a group of 150–200 Hindus arrived at the town market and demanded that the arch be removed. The protesters argued that the arch along with a tent set up was erected on the very site used by the Hindus to celebrate the Durga Puja festival in October. Protesters then sought to close the weekly market and attempted to close all the shops in the area. The Christian shopkeepers refused to comply with this, leading to an outbreak of violence. More than 20 shops were looted and destroyed. Three persons were killed.

Attack on Swami Laxmanananda

The violence escalated after news spread about Hindu monk Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati being attacked by a Christian fundamentalist mob en route to the spot of the confrontation.

Saraswati stated that he had left for Brahmanigaon to boost the "morale of the majority community". The National Commission for Minorities, in its report, stated that this was "indicative of his desire to exacerbate communal tensions". Swami supporters, however, claimed that Christians at Brahmanigoan village wanted to install a Christmas gate in front of a Hindu temple. This was protested by the local Hindus questioning the motive of Christians in building a second gate near temple while one gate being already present at the place.

In his statement, Swami blamed Radhakant Nayak, a recent Christian convert and Congress Member of Parliament (Upper House) and chief of Christian group World Vision that allegedly led to further clashes between Hindus and Christians.

The authorities imposed a curfew in order to control the situation. Concerned with rising violence, after the assault on Saraswati, some Dalit Christian leaders lodged a complaint with the Police for protection.

Intervention by CRPF

By 30 December, rioting was brought under control by the security forces such as the CRPF. The total number of security personnel deployed was about 2,500 police and paramilitary. The total number of people taking shelter in relief camps increased to 1200.

2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal

Main article: 2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal

The 2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal started during 24 December 2007 and ended after 4 days between groups led by Sangh Parivar together with the Sangh-affiliated Kui Samaj and the local Christians, which resulted in more than 100 churches, over 100 church institutions and about 700 houses and other structures were burnt down or damaged and at least three people killed.

2008 Kandhamal violence

Main article: 2008 Kandhamal violence
A Christian girl who was bruised and burnt during the anti Christian violence in Orissa in August 2008. It occurred when a bomb was thrown into her house by extremists.

During the 2008 Kandhamal violence, violence occurred from 25 August 2008 to 28 August 2008 between groups led by Sangh Parivar organizations and Christians in the Kandhamal district of Orissa. It started after the murder of Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati. It is estimated that more than 395 churches, 5600 homes and 13 educational institutes were set on fire, demolished or vandalized during the attacks and more than 90 killed (largely Christians) and 18,000 injured and 54,000 displaced. Another report said that around 11,000 people were still living in relief camps, as of October 2008. Some tribals even fled away to border districts in neighbouring states and 310 villages were affected.

In October 2008, a senior Maoist leader claimed responsibility for the murder of Laxmanananda and police officials also confirmed that the Maoists trained youth in the tribal community to murder Laxmanananda.

Post-2008

According to the news agency Agenzia Fides, other Christians were tortured and killed in 2012.

In February 2019, a Christian evangelical who had converted to Christianity nine months earlier was murdered. It is believed that the 'Hindu fanatics' of the village incited Maoists to carry out the killing.

See also

References

  1. 'Majority of Maoist supporters in Odisha are Christians' The Hindu - 5 October 2008
  2. "Panel gives report on Kandhamal riots - India News - IBNLive". Ibnlive.in.com. Archived from the original on 4 July 2009. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  3. "fresh samples" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
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  5. "Why Swami Laxmanananda was killed". Rediff.com. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
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  7. "Is 'juggernaut' derived from Lord Jagannath?". Archived from the original on 7 March 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. A Narrative of the Mission to Orissa: (the Site of the Temple of Jugurnath): Supported by the New Connexion of General Baptists in England By Amos Sutton, Published by David Marks for the Free-will Baptist Connexion, 1833
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