Release International

Orissa's chief minister has banned a strike which Hindu extremists are planning for Christmas Day – and threatened tough penalties for anyone disrupting the peace.

During a debate in the state assembly on recent anti-Christian violence, Naveen Patnaik said that no one would be permitted to observe the bandh or state-wide shutdown. As 7x7 reported on December 9, Christians fear that extremists would use the strike – planned for 6am to 6pm – as a pretext for attacking churches celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Mr Patnaik made his statement on December 15: Hindu extremists had said they would go ahead with the bandh if the killers of radical Hindu leader Laxmanananda Saraswati had not been arrested by that date. Hindu extremist umbrella group Sangh Parivar has since announced its intention to proceed with the strike.

Saraswati's murder in Kandhamal district, Orissa, in late-August led to a wave of anti-
Christian violence which spread across a number of states – even though Maoists claimed responsibility for his death. Police have now arrested seven suspects.
In Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Bishop Gerald Mathias has cancelled traditional Christmas festivities in his diocese – partly in solidarity with Christians in Orissa. The Lucknow 'dance drama' normally attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The bishop is reported to be concerned also about extremist activity in the run-up to national elections.

(Sources: Christian Today, Compass Direct, Webindia123.com, Samaylive.com, Zenit)

Pray for a peaceful Christmas for Christians across India, especially in Orissa.

Pray that Indian religious leaders and politicians will unite to promote tolerance.

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