A 45-year-old woman, employed as a cook in a missionary school in Orissa’s Bargarh district, was burnt to death on Monday when the school was set on fire allegedly by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protesters. The pastor running the school was also injured.
The VHP-sponsored bandh, to protest the killing of their leader Swami
Laxmanananda Saraswati and four disciples, witnessed attacks on churches and
missionary schools across the state, reminiscent of the Graham Staines case in
January 1999.In state capital Bhubaneswar,
protesters stoned a church; churches in Kandhamal, Bargarh, Koraput Deogarh
districts were also attacked.
"We are afraid to move out. Some Christians staying in institutions or
bungalows are hiding in jungles or villages," said Bishop of Sambalpur
Lucas Kerketta, whose jurisdiction includes Bargarh. "We have two to
three policemen, and they can’t control a big crowd… we have asked for
more security."
In state capital Bhubaneswar, protesters stoned a church; churches in
Kandhamal, Bargarh, Koraput Deogarh districts were also attacked.
Said Balasore Bishop Reverend Thomas Thiruthalil, chairman of Orissa
Bishop’s Council: "These are planned attacks on minorities. We need
police protection; minorities should be able to move freely and their rights
to worship must be protected."
Kandhamal remained tense as the Swami was cremated at his Ashram.
Dated: Wednesday, September 10, 2008