2008 Kandhamal violence

yes Anti-Christian violence in Orissa 2008 Kandhamal violence Religious violence in Odisha 320px|Orissa violence destroyedbuilding Remains of a church property burnt down during communal violence in Orissa in August 2008 25 August 2008 – 28 August 2008 (4 days) Kandhamal district, Orissa 20.47 N 84.23 E inline,title India 350 Kandhamal district Murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati, hate speech, Hindu Extremism, Christophobia Church arson, mass killing, looting See aftermath estimates range from 39 to more than 500 *18,000 40+ women sexually assaulted *395+ churches burnt down or demolished 60,000 – 75,000+ left homeless 5,600 – 6,500+ houses ransacked or burnt down 600+ villages ransacked Damages Casualties and damages The 2008 Kandhamal violence was the violence against Christians incited by Hindutva organisations in the Kandhamal district of Orissa, India, in August 2008 after the murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati, a leader of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, a right-wing Hindutva group. According to government reports the violence resulted in at least 39 Christians killed.India: EFICOR responds to Communal Violence in Kandhamal, Orissa https://reliefweb.int/report/india/india-eficor-responds-communal-violence-kandhamal-orissa-update-4 2021-02-01 ReliefWeb 12 February 2009 Reports indicate that more than 395 churches were razed or torched, between 5,600 and 6,500 houses plundered or burnt down, over 600 villages ransacked and more than 60,000 – 75,000 people left homeless.On the Anniversary of Kandhamal Violence, the Least We Can Do Is Remember https://thewire.in/communalism/kandhamal-violence-anniversary-remembrance 2021-02-01 The Wirehttps://indianexpress.com/article/india/10-years-after-kandhamal-riots-both-sides-say-they-await-justice-5322057/ 10 years after Kandhamal riots, both sides say they await justice 2018-08-24 The Indian Express 2020-04-142018-08-26 Kandhamal without closure https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/kandhamal-without-closure-5323775/ 2020-12-09 The Indian Express Other reports put the death toll at nearly 100 and suggested more than 40 women were sexually assaulted. Unofficial reports placed the number of those killed at more than 500. Many Christian families were burnt alive.Das Prafulla Project Orissa https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article30197634.ece 2021-01-31 Frontline 25 September 2008 Thousands of Christians were forced to convert to Hinduism under threat of violence.https://reliefweb.int/report/india/india-new-and-protracted-displacement-ongoing-absence-formalised-response India: New and protracted displacement ongoing in absence of formalised response – India ReliefWeb 22 December 2008 2020-04-132015-09-08 Christians seek justice seven years after Kandhamal riots https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0R821V/ 2020-04-13 Reutershttps://scroll.in/article/892641/in-photos-damaged-churches-broken-homes-are-the-lingering-scars-of-the-2008-kandhamal-riots In photos: Damaged churches, broken homes are the lingering scars of the 2008 Kandhamal riots Scroll.in 5 September 2018 2020-04-13 Many Hindu families were also assaulted in some places because they supported the Indian National Congress (INC). This violence was led by Hindutva paramilitary organisations, those being the Bajrang Dal, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and the Vishva Hindu Parishad.Chatterji Angana February 2009 A state of emergency https://www.sabrang.com/cc/archive/2009/feb09/orissa.html Communalism Combat 15 137 2023-04-07 2020-04-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407193539/https://www.sabrang.com/cc/archive/2009/feb09/orissa.html dead Tensions reportedly started with violent incidents over Christmas 2007 which resulted in the burning of over 100 churches and church institutions, including hostels, convents, and over 700 houses. Three persons were also killed during the three days after Christmas.https://www.orissapost.com/3706-acquitted-in-kandhamal-riots/ 3,706 acquitted in Kandhamal riots 2020-01-24 OrissaPOST 2020-04-13https://www.hrw.org/news/2007/12/29/india-stop-hindu-christian-violence-orissa India: Stop Hindu-Christian Violence in Orissa 2007-12-29 Human Rights Watch The Hindutva groups and activists of the Kui Samaj were mostly involved in the 2007 attacks.https://www.rediff.com/news/2007/dec/27church.htm Twelve more churches razed in Orissa Rediff 2020-04-13 Following the riots, 20,000 people were sheltered in 14 government established relief camps and 50,000 people fled to the surrounding districts and states. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that by March 2009, at least 3,000 individuals were still in government relief camps.September 2024 Manoj Pradhan, an MLA of the Bharatiya Janata Party was convicted in the violence in 2010.Kandhamal: 7 years' RI for BJP's Manoj Pradhan https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2010/jun/29/kandhamal-7-years-ri-for-bjps-manoj-pradhan-127478.html 2021-11-19 The New Indian Express 2021-11-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20211119161416/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2010/jun/29/kandhamal-7-years-ri-for-bjps-manoj-pradhan-127478.html dead 18 people were also convicted in the same year. Seven Christians and a Maoist leader were convicted for the murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati on 2013.Ramani Priya 'They don't feel sorry': Revisiting Kandhamal 10 years after the violence against Christians https://scroll.in/article/891587/they-dont-feel-sorry-revisiting-kandhamal-10-years-after-the-violence-against-christians 2021-11-19 Scroll.in 26 August 2018 en-USDas Sib Kumar 2013-10-03 Life term for 8 in Lakshmanananda murder case en-IN The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Life-term-for-8-in-Lakshmanananda-murder-case/article11789067.ece 2021-11-19 0971-751X Background Hateful anti-Christian campaigns in Kandhamal had already begun in the late 1960s, and continued for a long time, creating violence against minorities at frequent intervals including the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.https://www.newsclick.in/10-years-post-kandhamal-riots-let-us-not-forget-how-it-tore-secular-fabric 10 Years Post Kandhamal Riots: Let Us Not Forget How It Tore the Secular Fabric 2018-08-25 NewsClick Kandha–Pana tensions The Kandhamal district houses more than 100,000 Christians, 60% of them converts from the Scheduled Castes (SC) who are locally called Pana Christians (Pana). They speak Kui language, like tribal Kondhs or Kandhas. The district has been ethnically divided for decades between the tribal Kui-speaking Kandha tribals, and lower caste Kui-speaking Panas, who occupy a dominant position in their society. The Kui Samaj or the Kui association claimed to represent all the Kandha tribals, who were nearly 52% of the population in the districthttps://www.hindustantimes.com/india/quota-fuel-to-communal-fire/story-EbGKLcCsHYwcGIVVSpNaZL.html Quota fuel to communal fire 2008-12-31 Hindustan Times 2020-04-13https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-18808 Ethnic Violence and Communal Polarisation in Orissa's Kandhamal District 2008-01-12 The Daily Star 2020-04-13Margins of faith : Dalit and tribal Christianity in India 2010 Sage Publications Robinson, Rowen Kujūr, Josepha Marianus 978-81-321-0604-3 New Delhi, India 271–274 671529854 The tribal Khonds historically followed animism before they converted to Hinduism. The tribal Panas, too, followed animism before their conversion to Christianityhttps://www.hindustantimes.com/india/conversion-that-old-prop/story-oxcoBSU2qWeYpx1AYDPX4J.html Conversion, that old prop 2008-09-28 Hindustan Times 2020-04-16 by Christian missionaries. According to the Constitution, reservation benefits are removed from SCs who convert, and the Pana Christians demanded Scheduled tribe (ST) status after the Presidential Order of 2002 which mentioned the Kui tribes in the ST category since they also speak the Kui language. This was opposed by the VHP, the Kui Samaj and other political leaders who depend on Hindu tribals to support their vote bank in the area. These tensions soon transformed into communal violence. The Kui Samaj called for a shutdown on December 25, 2007, to protest against allowing ST caste status to SC Pana Christians. With the shutdowns on Christmas Day, Christians, Christian institutions and Churches were targeted by activists belonging to the Kui Samaj and the VHP. Christians were killed and churches were burnt and damaged in the violence. It slowly calmed down till the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda, which created a massacre during August 2008.https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/tribals-hold-key-to-peace/story-mqHbpz5mquA5dHGQZfiAcM.html Tribals hold key to peace 2008-12-19 Hindustan Times 2020-04-13 The National Commission for minorities reported that the tensions between the Kandha and the Pana tribals were partly responsible for the agitation and violence.Osuri Goldie Religious freedom in India : sovereignty and (anti) conversion 2013 978-0-415-66557-5 London 43 738352144 Sangh Parivar A senior Home Department official said that the present struggle between the mostly Christian-Dalit Panas and the Kandh tribe, mostly pro-Hindus, was the outcome of the ethnic, social and religious divide that helped Maoists to set up their base. While over 1200 churches and 400 Christian institutions became an eyesore for Hindutava forces, conversion was also a strong issue that had helped Sangh Parivar to strengthen its roots in Odisha.https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/cong-mp-suspected-behind-vhp-leaders-murder-31757-2008-10-17 Cong MP suspected behind VHP leader's murder India Today 17 October 2008 American political scientist Paul Brass argued that the generally insignificant, local communal conflicts in India are made into larger communal violence by groups he terms as 'conversion specialists'.Robinson Rowena https://books.google.com/books?id=oRtBDwAAQBAJ Margins of Faith: Dalit and Tribal Christianity in India Kujur Joseph Marianus 2010-08-17 SAGE Publishing India 978-93-86042-93-4 Section 12 In his book Constructing Indian Christianities: Culture, Conversion and Caste, Chad M. Bauman argued that the Sangh Parivar leaders followed the same technique in the Kandhamal riots by linking local politics and clashes with broader national fears like extinction of Hinduism, a Christian demographic increase and even a 'Christian military coup', thereby providing justification for anti-Christian violence and also issuing a 'national call to arms' for the defense of the Khandamal Hindus.Constructing Indian Christianities : culture, conversion, and caste Bauman, Chad M. Young, Richard Fox 2014 978-1-138-02018-4 New Delhi 197 862102769 December 2007 violence 2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal Human Rights Watch reported that the first wave of violence occurred on December 24, 2007, during an ice argument between Christians and Hindus over Christmas celebrations in the Kandhamal district. A Christian group attacked a vehicle belonging to VHP leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and in retaliation 19 churches were completely burned down and razed. Hindutva groups and the activists of the Kui Samaj were mostly involved in the 2007 attacks. The Kui Samaj and the VHP called for a bandh on December 25 to protest against the granting of ST status to the Pana Christians. The VHP also called for a bandh on Christmas Day for the attack on Lakshmananda's car.http://specials.rediff.com/news/2007/dec/29wk3.htm Communal violence rocks Orissa specials.rediff.com 2020-04-13 This led to Clashes between both the groups which continued for days where 837 families lost their houses.https://www.sabrangindia.in/article/flashback-kandhamal-targeted-violence-against-christians-9-years-later A Flashback to Kandhamal Targeted Violence against Christians, 9 Years Later 2017-08-24 SabrangIndia 2020-04-13 A mob of 500 strong attackers also torched a police station and burned the police vehicles and a Congress parliamentarian's house was also attacked. Saffron activists and Kui tribals who opposed the tribal status to the predominantly Christian Pana tribals joined in the attacks.https://www.outlookindia.com/photos/topic/kandhamal-violence/100182?photo-3926 https://web.archive.org/web/20200904123853/https://www.outlookindia.com/photos/topic/kandhamal-violence/100182?photo-3926 dead September 4, 2020 Outlook India Photo Gallery – Kandhamal Violence outlookindia.com 2020-04-13 According to various Non-Governmental Organizations, the VHP exploited the tensions between the Kui Samaj and Pana Christians to propel the Christmas attacks.https://www.refworld.org/docid/48d5cbf550.html 2008 Report on International Religious Freedom - India United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Refworld From December 24 to 27, 2007, at least three persons were killed and over 100 churches and church institutions, including convents and hostels, about 700 houses and other structures were burnt during the riots. On 1 January 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.http://www.indianexpress.com/story/257086.html Fresh violence in Kandhamal, Patil promises compensation Press Trust of India as seen in Indian Express dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080104120444/http://www.indianexpress.com/story/257086.html 4 January 2008 3 January 2006 dmy-all Murder of Swami Lakshmanananda Murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati On the evening of Saturday, 23 August 2008, unknown militants entered into the Ashram at around 8.00 p.m. and fired bullets from an AK-47 at Laxmanananda Saraswati at Jalespata Vanabashi Kanyashram in Kandhmal District of Orissa. After killing him, the proxy militants allegedly also cut various parts of his body by chisel and axe. Others who tried to rescue the Swami, namely Sadhwi Bhakti Mata who was overall charge of the Kalyan Ashram, Kishore Baba, Amritanand Baba and a visitor guardian of an inmate of the school, were also killed. The dead body of Bhakti Mata was also defaced and ripped by brutal cut injuries.Murder of revered 85 year old Hindu Saint Swami Laxmananda http://www.hinduhumanrightswatch.org/2009/05/murder-revered-85-year-old-hindu-saint-swami-laxmananda-church/ The attackers, estimated at thirty gunmen, were suspected of being Maoist insurgents but the Sangh Parivar family blamed it upon local Christian evangelical groups.Dialogue, Sacrifice and Reconciliation:A Study of Kandhamal Violence, Odisha Both the manner of attack and a letter found at the attack provided the basis for this. The government announced a special investigative probe into the attack.http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200808241551.htm Orissa announces judicial probe into murder of VHP leaders The Hindu https://web.archive.org/web/20081014100315/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200808241551.htm 14 October 2008 24 August 2008Protests in Orissa over killing of VHP leader https://web.archive.org/web/20080827033900/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080062715 27 August 2008 NDTV – 24 August 2008 right Christians have killed Swamiji. We will give a befitting reply. Gouri Prasad Rath, VHP state general secretary 28% While the government held the Maoist insurgents of being responsible for the attacks, the Sangh Parivar groups blamed the incident on the Christians. The VHP state general secretary, Gouri Ram Prasad blamed the murder on the Christians and also said that the organization would retaliate on the Christians and also called for a ban on churches in the district.Leader's death: VHP calls for Orissa bandh – Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Leaders-death-VHP-calls-for-Orissa-bandh/articleshow/3519025.cms The Times of India 25 August 2008 2020-04-16 In October 2008, a senior Maoist leader claimed responsibility for the murder of Laxmanananda and police officials confirmed that the Maoists trained youth in the tribal community to murder Laxmanananda.https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/maoist-leader-claims-they-killed-swami-108100601070_1.html Maoist leader claims they killed Swami 2008-10-06 Business Standard India 2020-04-13http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101757661200.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20081020052157/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101757661200.htm dead 20 October 2008 Chennai, India The Hindu Maoists killed Lakshmanananda, say Orissa Police 17 October 2008 Kandhamal riots thumb|320x320px|A young Christian girl who was bruised and burnt during the anti Christian violence. It occurred when a bomb was thrown into her house by the extremists. At the midnight of August 23–24, hours after VHP chief Lakshmanananda Saraswati was killed, the chaos began. The police suspected the role of Maoists and announced it to the media at 11:00 pm. The news spread quickly and activists from Sangh Parivar groups, including the VHP and Bajrang Dal, erected barriers in several locations including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The police theory of suspected Maoist involvement was denied by Sangh Parivar leaders who accused militant Christians of murdering Lakshmanananda. On August 23, about midnight, demonstrators burned down a private bus and also damaged many churches. The VHP and Bajrang Dal called for a statewide shutdown on Monday, 25 August 2008. Activists from the BJP, VHP, the Hindu Jagarana Samukhya and the Bajrang Dal staged protests and blocked traffic in nearly all district headquarters towns in the next morning demanding the detention of the Lakshmananda's killers. Businesses, banks and all schools and universities stayed closed as directed by the government. The police in the state stood mostly as silent observers to the harassment of those who had stepped out of their homes during the bandh. On the same day, rioters attacked a Christian orphanage at Khuntpalli village in Bargarh district. A local Hindu woman employee in her 20s was gang-raped and burnt alive by the mob after she was mistaken for a Christian, when the orphanage was set on fire.26 October 2008 Christians face growing attacks in eastern India NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27380721 2015-07-2726 August 2008 The Hindu News Update Service Hindu.com Chennai, India http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200808261929.htm 18 September 2008 The funeral procession which passed through hundreds of villages, was organized from Lakshmanananda's ashram at Jalespata to Chakapad. The procession began on the noon of August 24 and ended at the afternoon of the next day after stopping for the night at Phulbani. The event was attended by Sangh Parivar leaders, including Suresh Pujari, the State BJP's president. Hundreds of people assembled along the way to pay their last respects. Enraged mobs there assaulted Christians in the towns that the procession went through. Christians who were considered to be supporters of Congress were assaulted everywhere and many Hindus were also assaulted in some places because they supported the congress. The attackers included the BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar groups and the Biju Janata Dal. right There is no place for Christians. If Christians don't become Hindus, they have to go. We don't care where they go. They must leave Orissa. VHP leader Pravin Togadia Hindu mobs angered by the murders allegedly incited by Manoj Pradhan, an elected state legislator from the BJP, set fire to many Christian settlements.9 September 2010 BJP MLA convicted in Kandhamal riots case The Hindu Chennai, India http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article623180.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20100911075119/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article623180.ece dead September 11, 2010[the court] convicted Pradhan for the murder of Bikram Nayak from Budedipada of Tiangia village under Raikia police station limits on 26 August 2008. ... for setting ablaze houses of people belonging to the minority community and inciting communal violence. ... the riots in Kandhamal which claimed at least 38 lives in the aftermath of the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. Violence in India Is Fueled by Religious and Economic Divide https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/world/asia/04christians.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 The New York Times TIANGIA, India 3 September 2008 VHP chief Pravin Togadia travelled across the state inciting violence.2016-09-15 Where fear is still a reality https://www.hindustantimes.com/comment-newspaper/where-fear-is-still-a-reality/story-UFZTTrwndOK14W0kS7K9pJ.html 2021-01-31 Hindustan Times Christians who demanded tribal status they belonged to Scheduled Castes on the basis of their shared Kui language with the Kandha tribal people, were also attacked. No effort was made by the police on service to stop the demonstrators from targeting Christians and their properties. The Kui Samaj, a Kandha tribal organisation which opposed this joined with the Sangh Parivar and the ruling alliance on the attacks. The government officials and government offices were attacked and police and civil administration vehicles were damaged by the demonstrators. In the entire district, prohibition orders were tightened and curfews were enforced. Neighbors became rivals in many areas and burned Christian families alive. The houses belonging to the Christians who escaped into the nearby woods and hills were also robbed and torched by people from the surrounding villages. Many of the victims stayed up to seven days hidden in the jungles and came out only when the police found them and reassured them of protection. Soon, the relief camps set up by the government wasn't enough to house the homeless. People were inquiring about the whereabouts of their loved ones in the overpopulated camps, 10 days after the riots. thumb|300x300px|A Christian institution in flames during the violence by Hindu Nationalists The violence was led by the Bajrang Dal, VHP and the RSS. The Government of Orissa and police, military and paramilitary forces deployed in the state failed to respond efficiently, effectively or appropriately.https://www.sabrangindia.in/article/flashback-kandhamal-targeted-violence-against-christians-9-years-later A Flashback to Kandhamal Targeted Violence against Christians, 9 Years Later 2017-08-24 SabrangIndia 2020-04-14https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kandhamal-violence-triggered-by-hindu-fanatics-report/articleshow/6435048.cms?from=mdr Kandhamal violence triggered by Hindu fanatics: Report 2010-08-25 The Economic Times The VHP claimed that Hindu people in the area had taken the death of the Swami "very seriously, and now they are going to pay them back."27 August 2008 Indian state erupts in violence after Hindu shot http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/27/india.religion.violence/index.html CNN Asia 29 August 2008 A curfew was imposed in all towns in Kandhamal. Despite this, violence continued in Phulbani, Tumudibandh, Baliguda, Udaygiri, Nuagaon and Tikabali towns. Many others fled into the jungle or into neighbouring districts and states. All nine towns in Kandhamal district were under a curfew, and the police had license to shoot.Is violence affecting India's image NDTV 28 August 2008 http://www.ndtv.com/debate/showdebate.aspshow=1&story_id=476&template=kandhmal&category= 29 August 2008July 2018 InternetArchiveBot yesThousands homeless after Hindu-Christian violence in India International Herald Tribune 29 August 2008 http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/29/asia/29india.php 29 August 2008 Curfew was also imposed in Jeypore town of Odisha's Koraput district. Five police personnel were injured in mob violence. The state government sought additional paramilitary forces to combat the continuing violence.Article Press Trust of India 31 August 2008 http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/$all/734B313145EEC546652574B6005AC8B5 31 August 2008May 2016 medicmedic About 2,000 Christians are estimated to have been forced to leave their religion in the violence. Thousands of Christians were herded into temples and were forced to perform conversion rituals with their heads shaved, according to a fact-finding tribunal led by Justice AP Shah. As a gesture of purification, the Christians were made to consume water mixed with Cow-dung and some were forced to damage churches and burn bibles to demonstrate that they had abandoned Christianity. As required by the anti-conversion law, they were made to sign "voluntary statements" asserting that they are now willingly becoming Hindus. District authorities said they had received dozens of complaints of forced conversions to Hinduism. Some victims have put saffron flags atop their home to prevent any future attacks and those sheltered in the refugee camps have been told they can go home only if they become Hindus.https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/christians-still-afraid-to-return-home/story-UfaXKN3sgu5AurhE6t3EmL.html Christians still afraid to return home 2008-10-09 Hindustan Times During the riots, some small villages in rural areas were targeted by extremists. They killed the pastor of Mukundapur, a small village in Gajapati District.The Hindu, 27 Aug 2008http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Violence-spreads-in-Orissa/article15290222.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20191022120919/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Violence-spreads-in-Orissa/article15290222.ece live October 22, 2019 Violence spreads in Orissa The Hindu 27 August 2008 www.thehindu.com subscription 28 December 2017 Hindus have also been attacked by members of their own faith, for having Christian relatives. One woman, who is herself a Hindu, says she was gang-raped by her grandparents' neighbors due to her uncle's refusal to renounce his Christian beliefs.16 October 2008 BBC News – Programmes – From Our Own Correspondent – Fear and fundamentalism in India https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7672228.stm 30 September 2016 Continued violence On 1 September 2008 the state government of Odisha claimed that the situation was under control. However, several houses and places of worship were burnt in the riots, especially in worst-hit Kandhamal district. 12,539 people were fed in relief camps, 783 people were fed in two relief camps in Rayagada district. In all, 12 companies of para-military forces, 24 platoons of Odisha State Armed Police, two sections of Armed Police Reserve forces and two teams of Special Operation Group (Odisha) (SOG) were deployed to control the riots.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/558_houses_17_places_of_worship_torched_during_riot_Orissa_govt/rssarticleshow/3431842.cms 558 houses, 17 places of worship torched during riot: Orissa govt 1 September 2008 Times of India 1 September 2008 On 4 September 2008 a group of nearly 2500 extremists barged into the Tikabali Government High School Relief Camp shouting at the Christian refugees and took away supplies meant for the refugees, while police remained as silent spectators. On the same day, over 300 VHP incited tribal women attacked a relief camp for the Christian riot victims in Tikabali, demanding food, employment and relief for non-Christian population, who they said had been starving following the 12-day-old curfew order clamped by the district administration to contain communal violence.http://worldea.org/news/2045/Relief-Camps-Attacked-Violence-Erupts-Again-in-Kandhamal-Orissa Relief Camps Attacked; Violence Erupts Again in Kandhamal, Orissa Worldea.org 5 September 2008 2015-08-27 On 7 September 2008 VHP leader Praveen Togadia announced that an all-India agitation would be launched if the killers of Saraswati were not arrested. Orissa violence: VHP threatens nationwide stir IANS Economic Times 7 September 2008 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Orissa_violence_VHP_threatens_nationwide_stir/articleshow/3456001.cms 7 September 2008 The Church and Christian groups in turn demanded dismissal of the state government. On 15 September 2008, it was reported that there was an attack on two Hindu temples in Odisha's Sundergarh district. One was attacked on the night of 14 September, and the other 2 weeks earlier.http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080065494 NDTV 28 December 2017 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081019233718/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080065494 19 October 2008 dmy-all On 30 September 2008, a Christian nun accused the mob of raping her on 25 August at Nuagaon in Kandhamal district.http://www.financialexpress.com/printer/news/369162/ FinancialExpress 28 December 2017 https://archive.today/20130123002148/http://www.financialexpress.com/printer/news/369162/ 23 January 2013 dead dmy-all During a press conference she said that a group of unidentified persons, dragged her along with Fr Thomas Chellan to the deserted Jana Vikas building. The priest was doused with petrol and beaten up. She reported that the mob paraded her on the streets in the presence of a dozen policemenhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5010294.ece https://archive.today/20110510203634/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5010294.ece dead May 10, 2011 The Times London Nun Meena Lalita Barwa tells of brutal rape by Hindu mob in India Jeremy Page Rhys Blakely 25 October 2008 22 May 2010http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/30/stories/2008093058040100.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20081001043457/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/30/stories/2008093058040100.htm dead 1 October 2008 Nun was gang raped and priest brutally assaulted in Kandhamal 30 September 2008 4 October 2008 The Hindu Chennai, Indiahttps://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7649984.stm Four arrested over India nun rape BBC News 3 October 2008 4 October 2008http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080067507 Medical reports confirm Kandhmal nun raped NDTV 4 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081003210851/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080067507 3 October 2008 dead dmy-all Eventually, four men were arrested for the attack, and a senior police office suspended over the delayed investigation. After the complaint was launched, police had a medical examination of the nun carried out, which confirmed her rape.http://www.indianexpress.com/news/report-confirming-nuns-rape-sits-for-38-days-before-orissa-police-pick-it-up/368890/1 Report confirming nun's rape sits for 38 days before Orissa police pick it up Indian Express 3 October 2008 19 September 2011 Police sent the clothes of the said nun to the state forensic laboratory for further verification.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7649984.stm BBC News Four arrested over India nun rape 3 October 2008 Police arrested nine people in connection with the crime while the nun in case was in hiding for fear of reprisals. The Crime branch took charge of the probe following a government decision after the medical report.http://www.financialexpress.com/printer/news/369162/ Orissa nun may have been raped during violence: police Financial Express 4 October 2008 19 September 2011 https://archive.today/20130123002148/http://www.financialexpress.com/printer/news/369162/ 23 January 2013 dead dmy-all On 22 October 2008, the Supreme Court of India, rejected an appeal by the Archbishop of Cuttack, Raphael Cheenath, for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident and asked the victim to look at an identity parade of those accused to identify the culprit with the help of the state police itself.http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561621200.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20081026033845/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561621200.htm dead 26 October 2008 Chennai, India The Hindu I don't want to be victimised by Orissa police, says Sister Meena 25 October 2008 Reuters reported the nun's media conference under the headline '40 men gang-raped me, says nun'; though she had made no such statement.40 men gang-raped me, says nun Matthias Williams Reuters News.com.au 25 October 2008 http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24549751-23109,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20081025143552/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24549751-23109,00.html 25 October 2008 Relief camps 20,000 people were sheltered in 14 relief camps built by the state government from 23 August onwards. Approximately 50,000 people were hiding in the district's forest areas, and nearly 500 people went to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to stay in relief camps made by the YMCA. Around 50,000 people reportedly escaped to surrounding districts and neighboring states. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that by March 2009, and at least 3,000 individuals were still in government camps, reportedly because of their inability to return to their family homes unless they "reconvert" to Hinduism. After two weeks, a month long series of "reconversion" rituals and processions with the slain Swami's ashes were announced. There was no immediate police response. Many Christians allegedly took place in these ceremonies due to the fear of additional violence, property destruction and harassment.United States Commission on International Religious Freedom - Annual Report –Chapter on India Total casualties and damages Government reports suggested that the violence resulted in at least 39 killed, over 365 churches vandalized or destroyed, over 5,600 houses were looted or burnt down, 600 villages ransacked and more than 54,000 were left home less.https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/current-affairs-trends/10-years-of-kandhamal-riots-what-happened-and-where-do-the-cases-stand-today-2885381.html 10 years of Kandhamal riots: What happened and where do the cases stand today? Moneycontrol 27 August 2018 2020-04-13 While other reports put the death toll to nearly 100 and suggested more than 40 women were sexually assaulted and many Christians were forced to convert to Hinduism with the threat of violence. The report by the Centre for Child Rights reported that at least 300 churches were destroyed; 13 Colleges, schools and 5 NGO offices were damaged. About 30,000 people lived in relief camps for months. About 2,000 people were forced to convert to Hinduism.https://www.newsclick.in/10-years-post-kandhamal-riots-let-us-not-forget-how-it-tore-secular-fabric 10 Years Post Kandhamal Riots: Let Us Not Forget How It Tore the Secular Fabric 25 August 2018 NewsClick According to a research by the Kandhamal Committee for Peace and Justice, 395 churches and places of worship and more than 6,500 homes were ransacked and razed to the ground during the August 2008 attacks. In its report, a CPI fact-finding team quoted officials admitting that in the month-long anti-Church riots in which VHP and Bajrang Dal played a central role, not less than 500 individuals were killed. The report said a senior government official on the requesting anonymity stated that he personally relegated 200 corpses found from the forest and from fires after getting them loaded in a tractor and reported that depending on the severity and pace of murders the number of those slain is over 500 people. The report also claimed that the incidents took place in front of the police and the police were mute spectators.5 November 2008 Kandhamal beats Gujarat in violence statistics https://www.indiatoday.in/web-exclusive/story/kandhamal-beats-gujarat-in-violence-statistics-32868-2008-11-05 2020-12-09 India Today Initial reports suggested that more than 18,000 were injured and 50,000 displaced. Another report said that around 11,000 people were still living in relief camps, as of October 2008.http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080070449 Orissa priest injured in communal violence dies 29 October 2008 NDTV.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081201145609/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080070449 1 December 2008 19 September 2011 dmy-allhttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/capturing-the-spark-that-led-to-communal-riot-in-kandhamal/articleshow/57178586.cms Capturing the spark that led to communal riot in Kandhamal The Times of India 16 February 2017 2020-04-13 Some tribals even fled away to border districts in neighbouring states.http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120852460300.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20081211094033/http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120852460300.htm dead 11 December 2008 Christmas brings no cheer for them 8 December 2008 The Hindu 28 June 2015 310 villages were affectedhttp://www.indianexpress.com/news/It-s-still-religion--stupid/369086 It's still religion, stupid 4 October 2008 Indian Express 19 September 2011 with 4,640 homes, 252 churches, and 13 educational institutes torched during attacks.Microsoft Word – P&F Final Text.doc http://www.aidtochurch.org/pdf/P&F_FINAL.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120128022615/http://www.aidtochurch.org/pdf/P%26F_FINAL.pdf 28 January 2012 19 September 2011 dmy-all Multiple Hindu temples and an unknown number of Hindus were also killed during the riots, excluding the five Hindu sadhus (including Saraswati) who were killed in the beginning itself. On 14 October 2008, Cuttack Archbishop Raphael Cheenath moved the Supreme Court seeking ₹ 30 million as compensation to rebuild the demolished and vandalized churches in the riot-hit areas. He also sought ₹ 550,000 for the kin of those killed in the riots and compensation of ₹ 60,000 to those whose houses were damaged or torched.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Orissa_archbishop_seeks_Rs_3_cr_to_rebuild_churches/rssarticleshow/3592165.cms Orissa archbishop seeks Rs 3cr to rebuild churches 14 October 2008 The Times of India Investigations A report by the National Commission for Minorities blamed the violence on Sangh Parivar outfits and the Bajrang Dal.https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/ncm-blames-bajrang-dal-for-karnataka-orissa-violence/610106 https://web.archive.org/web/20200904111814/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/ncm-blames-bajrang-dal-for-karnataka-orissa-violence/610106 dead September 4, 2020 NCM blames Bajrang Dal for Karnataka, Orissa violence www.outlookindia.com 2020-04-14 The Director general of police of Gujarat, CP Singh, stated on record that "organisations like the VHP and Bajrang Dal are clearly behind the violence. The CPM member Basudeb Acharia blamed the Bajrang Dal of the attacks and said that within an hour after the swami's murder the Bajrang Dal and the VHP armed with swords and spears started to attack the Christians and burnt-down their houses.https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bajrang-dal-planned-orissa-violence-cpm/articleshow/3638940.cms Bajrang Dal planned Orissa violence: CPM 2008-10-25 The Economic Times 2020-04-14 Orissa's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the Sangh Parivar was involved in the violence.2009-11-24 'Sangh parivar activists involved in Kandhamal riot' https://zeenews.india.com/news/odisha/sangh-parivar-activists-involved-in-kandhamal-riot_581613.html 2021-01-31 Zee News In a press release made on 21 September, The National Commission for Minorities blamed the Sangh Parivar and Bajrang Dal for the communal violence in states of Karnataka and Odisha. Shafi Qureshi, member of the NCM team stated that the NCM teams had determined activists of Bajrang Dal were involved in these attacks in both in state of Odisha and Karnataka. Condemning the attack on churches in Kandhamal and other areas of Odisha and in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur and Mangalore in Karnataka, the Commission stressed the need for immediate confidence building measures to allay the fear from the minds of the minorities in both states of Odisha and Karnataka.NCM blames Bajrang Dal for Karnataka, Orissa violence Times of India 21 September 2008 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NCM_blames_Bajrang_Dal_for_Karnataka_Orissa_violence/rssarticleshow/3509247.cms 21 September 2008 The Sangh Parivar was also held responsible for the violence by the report of the fact-finding commission led by Justice AP Shah in 2010. The historical context of the Kandhamal violence is the spread of the ideology of Hindutva... A planned attack on the Christian minority in Orissa was a tragedy in the waiting period following the Gujarat pogrom of 2002 that killed over 2,000 Muslims and destroyed the community. Kandhamal was an ideal place for such an attack because of the possibility to manipulate the strained dynamics of the relationship between both the Dalit and the Adivasi populations to satisfy the aims of religious extremists. Fact-finding tribunal by Justice AP Shah. On 28 August, a letter of denial (denying responsibility for the murder of Saraswati) was received by some media houses suspected to be from a Maoist group.29 August 2008 Maoists deny role in VHP leader's murder Orrisa, India http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082952080300.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080901082135/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/29/stories/2008082952080300.htm dead The Hindu 1 September 2008 While the letter denied that the Central Committee of the Kotagarha branch of the Maoists had approved the attack, it claimed that some Maoists may have been lured by "nefarious elements" to launch the attack. But the local police force continued to maintain that Maoists were behind the operationKandhmal: Mystery surrounds Swami's death https://web.archive.org/web/20080906210532/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063999 6 September 2008 NDTV - 4 September 2008 Soon after the appearance of the aforementioned letter, "Azad", another leader of the splinter Maoist People's Liberation Guerrilla Army group, claimed responsibility for the murder of Lakshmanananda in another letter. Azad was suspected by the police of leading the attack himself.Mishra Sandeep 30 August 2008 Maoists claim they killed 'fascist' VHP leader in Orissa https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maoists-claim-they-killed-fascist-VHP-leader-in-Orissa/articleshow/3423908.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20121022093031/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-08-30/india/27940401_1_maoists-claim-swami-laxmanananda-saraswati-vhp-leader live 22 October 2012 The Times of India 31 August 2008 Finally, on 9 September 2008 the Maoists, who work underground, made an official press release claiming responsibility for the killing of Lakshmanananda.9 September 2008 CPI Maoists claim VHP leader's killing http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080064612&ch=9/9/2008%209:16:00%20AM 9 September 2008 NDTVJuly 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Many Maoist sympathizers of south Odisha had initially denied the role of CPI-Maoist in the murder of VHP leaders that sparked off communal violence in Kandhamnal district. Communist Party of India (Maoist) leader Sabyasachi Panda claimed that they killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples at his Jalespeta ashram on 23 August, for his Anti-Maoist hate speech, in the state of Odisha and the tribal Kandhamal region in particular. Maoists claim responsibility for killing of VHP leader 5 October 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/05/stories/2008100560400800.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20081005174433/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/05/stories/2008100560400800.htm dead 5 October 2008 The Hindu 5 October 2008We killed Swami, Maoists say again 6 October 2008 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/We-killed-Swami-Maoists-say-again/articleshow/3562518.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20121022093039/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-06/india/27909177_1_maoists-swami-laxmanananda-saraswati-riots live 22 October 2012 The Times of India 5 October 2008 Finally, on 7 October 2008, the Odisha police announced they arrested three Maoists in connection with the murder of the Swami.3 arrested in Laxmanananda murder case Indian Express - 7 October 2008 On 16 October 2008, in an interview to PTI the IG police Arun Ray told that "Maoists trained certain youths of the tribal community to eliminate Saraswati", the "tribal community" believed by the Hindu Extremist to be a reference to the converted Christians of the region led to the "Fuel in the Fire" in the riots. The plan to eliminate Lakshmanananda was made in 2007, he added. Elaborating the probe by the crime branch, Ray said investigations also showed that a group had collected money from some villages in Kandhamal which was given to the Maoist group to train their youth for the purpose. The police said that they already arrested three persons, including two tribals and others who belong to the extremist Maoist groups and efforts were now on to arrest the other accused.Maoists were hired to kill Laxmanananda: Police https://web.archive.org/web/20250708123301/https://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/$All/0AB29BAF159285A1652574E4005EF088?OpenDocument 2025-07-08 Press Trust of India – 16 October 2008Maoists hired to kill Laxmanandas Orissa police Rediff 17 October 2008 http://in.rediff.com/news/2008/oct/17orissa.htm Political and legal fallout At the time of the Kandhamal riots in 2008, the ruling government of Odisha, headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was a coalition of the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). In the 147-member state assembly the BJD-BJP combine had 93 members, 32 of whom are from the BJP. 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 the runup to the 2009 elections, Patnaik broke his ties with the BJP, saying that the alliance in the state had to be broken because it became impossible for him to stay with the BJP after the Kandhanmal riots which "horrified the entire world".Kandhamal caused BJP-BJD break-up: Naveen Patnaik http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kandhamal-caused-bjpbjd-breakup-naveen-patnaik/89826-37.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090410084916/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kandhamal-caused-bjpbjd-breakup-naveen-patnaik/89826-37.html dead 10 April 2009 CNN-IBN 9 April 2009 In November 2009, after winning the elections again, this time without the support of the BJP and therefore free from political compulsions, re-elected chief minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik, claimed that the Vishva Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh were involved in the violence.asianews Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik says, "Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajarang Dal (BD) were involved in the violence".http://news.oneindia.in/2009/11/24/sangh-parivar-is-behind-kandhamal-riot-cm.html Sangh parivar is behind Kandhamal riot: CM – News Oneindia Oneindia 24 November 2009 1 November 2013 3 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131103125907/http://news.oneindia.in/2009/11/24/sangh-parivar-is-behind-kandhamal-riot-cm.html dead On 4 September 2008, the Supreme Court of India issued an order on a petition filed by Catholic Archbishop Raphael Cheenath seeking a CBI enquiry and dismissal of the state government. The order refused to dismiss the Odisha state government but asked it to report on steps taken to stop the wave of communal rioting that had claimed at least 16 lives. In his petition, the Archbishop claimed that VHP leader Pravin Togadia carried out a procession with Saraswati's ashes after his cremation, an act that clearly inflamed further communal tension and rioting. The Supreme Court, in its order, asked the state government to file an affidavit explaining the circumstances under which this procession was allowed.http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/14995 SC directs Orissa govt to file affidavit on violence Newstrackindia.com 18 September 2008http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g2HKL26IMn2CB3GEE2igPxWvkL0A https://web.archive.org/web/20080907031515/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g2HKL26IMn2CB3GEE2igPxWvkL0A dead 7 September 2008 AFP: India court demands report on anti-Christian violence 3 September 2008 18 September 2008 However, it later emerged that Saraswati was never cremated in the first place (as a Hindu sannyasi, the holy man had already symbolically cast his physical body into fire while alive by wearing saffron robes, and set the soul free). As is the tradition of sannyasis, Saraswati was not cremated but instead buried and entombed after death. Since no cremation ever took place, Togadia replied that there was no question of "ashes" being proposed to be carried in any procession at all, and therefore the claims of "asthi kalash yatra" (carrying of the ashes) were untrue. He also alleged that Archbishop Raphael Cheenath had therefore "lied under oath to the apex court", because no such procession ever took place.http://www.hindu.com/holnus/002200809050344.htm The Hindu News Update Service Thehindu 5 September 2008 18 September 2008 Chennai, India 7 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121107153242/http://www.hindu.com/holnus/002200809050344.htm dead Arrests and convictions On 29 June 2010, a fast-track court set up after the Kandhamal riots found Manoj Pradhan, a Bharatiya Janata Party politician and a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Odisha, guilty of murder of Parikhita Digal, a Christian from Budedi village who was killed by the mob on 27 August 2008.http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/2008-kandhamal-riots-bjp-mla-sentenced-to-7-years-in-jail-34605 2008 Kandhamal riots: BJP MLA sentenced to 7 years in jail 29 June 2010 Ndtv.com 19 September 2011 Manoj Pradhan who was nominated by the BJP while imprisoned pending trial,Saffron party defends riot-tainted candidate was sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment. However, pending his appeal, he was granted bail by the High court on 6 July.http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_orissa-hc-grants-bail-to-kandhamal-riot-convict-bjp-mla_1406659 Orissa HC grants bail to Kandhamal riot convict BJP MLA - India 7 July 2010 DNA India 19 September 2011 A number of others have also been sentenced in riot-related cases. On 9 September 2010, another judge found Pradhan guilty in the murder of Bikram Nayak from Budedipada on 26 August 2008. In December 2010, 18 people were convicted.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/18-convicted-64-acquitted-in-Kandhamal-riot-cases/articleshow/7179869.cms Orissa: 18 convicted, 64 acquitted in Kandhamal riot cases December 28, 2010 The Times of India en 2020-04-13 The Hindutva groups blamed the local Christian tribals for the murder of Lakshmanananda even-though the killers were suspected of being Maoist insurgents by the government. Later a senior Maoist leader claimed responsibility for the murder, and the police also confirmed that the Maoists hadtrained tribal youth to carry out the murder.We killed Swami Laxmananda: Maoist leader https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/oct/05orissa.htm Rediff 2020-04-13 On 30 September 2013, Additional district judge Rajendra Kumar Tosh at an Additional district and sessions court in Phulbani convicted seven ChristiansIndian Christians sentenced to life for Orissa killing will appeal http://au.christiantoday.com/article/indian-christians-sentenced-to-life-for-orissa-killing-will-appeal/16340.htm 1 November 2013 Christian Today Australia 22 October 2013 3 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131103214132/http://au.christiantoday.com/article/indian-christians-sentenced-to-life-for-orissa-killing-will-appeal/16340.htm deadIndia Christians Appeal Lifetime Sentence For 'Murder' Hindu Leader http://www.bosnewslife.com/30934-india-christians-appeal-lifetime-sentence-for-murder-hindu-leader 1 November 2013 BosNewsLife 18 October 2013 2 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131102115828/http://www.bosnewslife.com/30934-india-christians-appeal-lifetime-sentence-for-murder-hindu-leader deadPray for the end of legal persecution in India http://www.mnnonline.org/article/19109 1 November 2013 Mission Network News 17 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131104053059/http://www.mnnonline.org/article/19109 4 November 2013 deadhttps://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/swami-lakshmanananda-murder-questionable-convictions The questionable convictions in the case of Swami Lakshmanananda's murder M Rahul October 2017 The Caravan en 30 December 2019 for the murder: Gadanath Chalanseth, Bijaya Kumar Shyamseth, Buddha Nayak, Sanatan Badamajhi, Duryadhan Sunamajhi, Bhaskar Sunamajhi and Munda Badamajhi. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maoist-leader-convicted-in-laxmanananda-murder-case/article5189513.ece Maoist leader convicted in Laxmanananda murder case 31 October 2013 The Hindu However, on 1 October 2013, the same court also convicted a Maoist leader from Andhra Pradesh for the same crime. Six days later the same court set free five non-Christians who were being tried for burning of a Christian house in the riots following the murder. Sajan George, president of Global Council of Indian Christians alleged that the court is biased against the Christian minority. The defence lawyer, S.K. Padhi said that the ruling would be appealed against in the Odisha High Court. Life term for 8 in Lakshmananda Murder case The Hindu 1 October 2013 https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Life-term-for-8-in-Lakshmanananda-murder-case/article11789067.ece 4 October 2013 Response India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called the Odisha violence a "shame" and offered all help from the centre to end the communal clashes and restore normalcy. He said he would speak to Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik to urge him to take all necessary steps to end the violence.PM calls Orissa violence a 'shame' 29 August 2008 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PM_calls_Orissa_violence_a_shame/articleshow/3419084.cms 29 August 2008 Times of Indiahttp://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_040430.htm The clout of Sonia Gandhi Ivarta.com 18 September 2008 On Wednesday, 27 August 2008, Pope Benedict XVI condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the priests, nuns, and laypeople being victimized.reuters.com https://web.archive.org/web/20080831031842/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-35197320080827 2008-08-31 left|25px Human Rights Watch, a US-based outfit, expressed extreme dismay at the mob violence against Christians instigated by the VHP. The organization also expressed concern at the state government's lack of action following the Christmas 2007 violence. World Leaders Urged to Condemn Violence in Orissa Human Rights Watch 28 August 2008 http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/08/28/india19711.htm 29 August 2008 Italy's Foreign Ministry called on India's ambassador to demand 'incisive action' to prevent further attacks against Christians. Italy calls Indian envoy over attacks on Christians Reuters Indian Express 28 August 2008 http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Italy-calls-Indian-envoy-over-attacks-on-Christians/354556/ 2 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080901113339/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Italy-calls-Indian-envoy-over-attacks-on-Christians/354556/ 1 September 2008 dead dmy-all The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) sought a report from the Odisha government on the ongoing religious violence in the state. NHRC issues notice to Orissa over violence Press Trust of India Times of India 29 August 2008 http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063386 https://archive.today/20130129221437/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080063386 dead 29 January 2013 30 August 2008 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) demanded the Indian authorities take immediate steps to quell the violence and order a probe to find out the perpetrators of the attacks. "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", USCIRF said. "State governments must be held accountable for violence and other unlawful acts that occur in their state" Commission Chair Felice D Gaer said in a statement. USCIRF called on the US State Department to urge the central government and its Human Rights and Minority Commissions to continue their investigations, issue reports on the status of their investigations, and take further appropriate measures to address the situation, including ensuring that perpetrators of the violence are brought to account. USCIRF Urges Decisive Action by Central Government to Stop Communal Violence in Orissa USCIRF 3 September 2008 http://www.uscirf.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2261&Itemid=1 4 September 2008 expressed concern over the violence against Christians in Odisha and hoped that the ruling government would bring the perpetrators to justice. India should bring Orissa violence perpetrators to book: EU IANS Economic Times 28 September 2008 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Punish_Orissa_violence_perpetrators/articleshow/3536732.cms 4 October 2008 Subsequent religious actions The Catholic Church gave approval to begin the process of beatification of 35 Catholics killed in the riots as martyrs on October 18, 2023. As such, they are declared Servants of God.Akkara Anto Vatican puts 35 Catholic 'martyrs of Kandhamal' in India on road to sainthood https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/asia-pacific/vatican-puts-35-catholic-martyrs-of-kandhamal-in-india-on-road-to-sainthood 2025-02-08 See also 1998 attacks on Christians in southeastern Gujarat Violence against Christians in India 2007 Christmas violence in Kandhamal 2008 Kandhamal nun gang rape case References Further reading Akkara Anto Kandhamal, a blot on Indian secularism 2009 Media House 978-81-7495-351-3 Delhi 370610171 Unjust Compensation - An Assessment of Damage and Loss of PrivateProperty during the Anti-Christian Violence in Kandhamal, India Category:2000s in Orissa Category:2008 murders in India Category:2008 riots Category:Church arson in India Category:August 2008 in India Category:Hate crimes in India Category:Hinduism-motivated violence in India Category:Kandhamal district Category:2008 mass murders Category:21st-century mass murders in India Category:Murder in Odisha Category:Persecution of Christians by Hindus Category:Anti-Christian riots in India Category:Residential building arson attacks in India Category:Arson in 2008 Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2008 Category:Looting in India Category:Sexual violence at riots and crowd disturbances Category:Forced religious conversion Category:2008 in Christianity Category:Attacks on government buildings and structures in India Category:Riots and civil disorder in Odisha Category:2008 fires in Asia Category:Massacres in India Category:Massacres of ethnic groups Category:Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Category:Vishva Hindu Parishad Category:Bajrang Dal