Release International

Christians in Orissa who lost their homes in last year's violence fear they may now find themselves unable to vote in the forthcoming elections.

Thousands of Christians fled their homes when Hindu extremists went on the rampage last August in Orissa and several other states. Most of these Christians lost their identity papers – and their right to vote in the federal and local ballots scheduled for April and May. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) estimates that more than 70,000 Christians may be affected.

The GCIC is now lobbying India's Election Commission to ensure that displaced Christians are registered as voters. The authorities in Kandhamal district have said they will hand out new identity papers – but will require displaced people to claim them in person. However, many homeless Christians are too frightened to return home to their original villages.

Furthermore, government[A1] compensation payouts of $200 per person are insufficient. AsiaNews reports that many Christians are forced to buy 'shacks in other communities'.

(Sources: AsiaNews, Global Council of Indian Christians)

Pray that the Indian authorities will ensure that full voting rights for displaced Christians are upheld in forthcoming ballots.

Pray God's healing over everyone affected by last year's anti-Christian violence.

Back to top