Hindu militants continue to use the late August assassination of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as a pretext to attack and kill Christians throughout Orissa state, refusing to accept the Maoists' claim of responsibility for the murder.
On September 13, an irate mob torched a church building in the village of Anchhla, Koraput district. In another incident, a Christian man was killed by militants in the town of Raikia. On September 14, twelve homes belonging to Christians were burned in the village of Makabali. Militants have even launched attacks on the police for intervening in the violence.
Christians fear they will continue to be targeted, particularly since militants have prepared a list of approximately 140 Christians whom they allege were Saraswati's killers. The list is being distributed among Hindu supporters in order to identify who should be punished or killed in case the government fails to take action to their satisfaction.
Pray that the perpetrators of these attacks will come to repentance and salvation. Ask God to strengthen the thousands of Christians affected by the violence to remain steadfast in faith (Revelation 2:10). Pray for full and lasting peace in this persecution-torn region.
To learn more about Christians suffering for righteousness' sake in India, visit the India Country Report.
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