Release International

Many Christian homes attacked by Hindu extremists ten months ago still bear Hindu flags – because Christians are too frightened to take them down.

Saffron-coloured flags planted by Hindu extremists still fly from Christians' roofs, particularly in remote rural parts of Kandhamal district, apparently showing that the household has embraced Hinduism. Extremists tried to force many Christians to become Hindus during last year's anti-Christian violence.

Release sources say that many of these households are still Christian – but are pretending to be Hindu for fear of further attacks. In other parts of Kandhamal, police have encouraged Christian villagers to remove Hindu flags, assuring them of police protection.

Christians have also been reassured by the recent electoral defeat of the Hindu nationalist BJP – and the first conviction in court linked to last year's riots. A Hindu has been found guilty of inciting a mob to set fire to a Christian home in Dampidia, Kandhamal.

(Sources: The National online news, UCA News)

• Pray that Government and police will do more to protect Orissa's Christians.
• Pray that India's new Government will be a staunch defender of religious rights.

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