The US-based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that state police and federal armed forces in eastern India have failed to contain anti-Christian violence that began on Christmas Eve and has killed at least six Christians in Orissa state.

A local Christian told ICC on condition of anonymity that on the night of 28 December, 600 Christians had to hide in a Baptist church in Udaigiri village in the Mallikapur area of the Kandhamal district, as they anticipated attacks on their homes.

"Extremists tried to attack them during the night, but they were not more in number than the Christians, who could scare them away," added the source.

According to a fact-finding team led by Dr John Dayal, Secretary General of the All India Christian Council (AICC), six bodies of Christians were found, and 400 Christian homes and 60 churches were burnt down in the last six days in Baliguda Block of Kandhamal district.

"Young and healthy Christians have left their villages to flee for their lives, children, women, old and sick, who could not flee for their lives, are in great danger of their lives," Dayal said in a statement.

"Remnants are starving for the last four days, and sick are suffering without medical attention. They are being forced to convert to Hinduism if they are to get food, medical attention and shelter, and their heads are [shaved]," Dayal quoted a victim as saying.

Meanwhile, The Indian Express newspaper reported that on December 22, local Christian leaders met the District Collector (administrative in-charge) and the superintendent of police, seeking protection.

"They handed over a letter which said they felt 'insecure and paralysed' and requested that their 'life and day-to-day livelihood should be ensured at least from 24th to 26th of December'," it said.

However, the administration did not heed the cry of the Christians.

"The fundamental rights provided by the Indian Constitution to protect lives has failed to reach the minority Christians in the state of Orissa. State security forces have been at the hands of guns and fundamentalists. No complaint from victims and Christian individuals has been filed by any police station," said Dayal.

For more information about ICC visit www.persecution.org.