Hindu militants continue to malign Christians for the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and target them in widespread violence that began in late August in Orissa, India (see links on India's Country Report for more information).
Maoist groups have claimed responsibility for the murder and, on October 6, three Maoist individuals were arrested in connection with the crime. However, a Hindu militant group recently released a document that allegedly implicates the Christians: a copy of the minutes from a pastoral council meeting held in Kandhamal district in May during which the militants claim a plan to assassinate Swami was discussed. The pastoral council has vehemently denied the accuracy of the minutes, and claim that their signatures on the document were forged.
Remember your brothers and sisters in India in your prayers. Ask God to give strength to those who suffer for His sake. Pray for peace in this terror-stricken region.
For more information on the plight of Christians in India, click here. To watch a BBC video report about attacks on Christians in Orissa, click here.
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