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| India-Pakistan |
| India: Hundreds of Christians forced to flee to jungles, say missionaries |
| 2008-08-29 |
| (AKI) - Hundreds of Christians have taken refuge in the jungles of the Indian state of Orissa after deadly violence between Christians and Hindus claimed at least 12 lives. Several days of communal clashes have caused widespread chaos and authorities imposed a curfew and ordered security forces to shoot violators on sight. Up to 30 churches and orphanages were reported to have been attacked in the violence that erupted after the killing of Hindu leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati allegedly by Christians at the weekend. The Missionaries of Charity Fathers, founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata), on Thursday expressed shock and dismay about what was happening in Orissa. One priest, who declined to be named told Adnkronos International (AKI) by telephone that schools in some states, including Kerala, a small state in the south of India, were closed on Thursday to protest against what had happened. "All over India the schools were closed today to protest against the violence," he told AKI by telephone. "Some of our sisters are hiding in the jungles." He said more protests were being planned by Christians in various parts of the country, including Kolkata. The Missionaries of Charity Fathers and the Missionaries of Charity Sisters, founded by Mother Teresa, have more than 550 missions throughout India and provide food and other aid for thousands of people. On Wednesday Pope Benedict XVI "firmly condemned" the fighting and urged the state's residents to re-establish peaceful cohabitation and harmony. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 "Other cheek, my ass. I'm gonna shoot somebody." |
| Posted by: mojo 2008-08-29 12:26 |
| #1 There are a slew of Christian orphananges in that area. |
| Posted by: mom 2008-08-29 10:14 |