India's Christians condemn killing of radical Hindu leader

Tensions are running high in India's Orissa state after the leader of a radical Hindu group was killed on Saturday.

Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati was the leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an extremist group believed to be behind a wave of violence against Christians last Christmas in which 80 churches were set on fire and more than 3,000 Christians were displaced.

Although the government is holding Maoists responsible for the killing, the VHP is blaming Christians.

"Christians have killed Swamiji. We will give a befitting reply," VHP state general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said, demanding a high-level probe and ban on churches in Kandhamal.

"We would be forced to opt for violent protests if action is not taken against the killers," Rath warned.

Orissa's Christians now fear there will be the victim of more attacks. In a bid to ease tensions, churches and Christian organisations in the state have been quick to issue statements condemning the Saraswati's murder.

Dr Sam Paul, All India Christian Council (aicc) National Secretary of Public Affairs, said, "The Christian community in India abhors violence, condemns all acts of terrorism, and opposes groups of people taking the law into their own hands.

"We have had major differences with Mr Saraswati, the deceased VHP leader. It was the hate campaigns of the Sangh Parivar which led to untold misery for Christians - including the unprecedented violence last Christmas in Orissa. But we wish peace to everyone and urge everyone to follow the rule of law."

Secretary General of the aicc, Dr John Dayal, said that Saraswati's murder has already sparked attacks in neighbouring districts.

"We've heard that at least one prayer hall in Sudergarh was burnt, the van of some Catholic nuns was destroyed, and the sisters were injured."

The police have confirmed that churches and prayer halls were attacked at some places. "There were reports of attacks on religious places. We are keeping a strict vigil," a spokesperson said.

Dayal, who is also a member of the National Integration Council, has called on India's government leaders to take necessary steps to maintain peace and harmony and to prevent further attacks on Christians.

BJP state leader Suresh Pujari, who demanded a thorough inquiry into the murder, said Saraswati was on good terms with Maoists and that he was killed for opposing religious conversion in various parts of the state. "Those opposed to Swamiji's anti-conversion activities killed him," he said.

The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI)'s General Secretary, Dr Richard Howell, denounced the killing.

"While deeply saddened by the week-long spate of attacks that hit Kandhamal district during last Christmas, EFI, as a representative of the evangelical church in India, stands against every act of violence and terrorism.

"EFI also regrets that vested interests among the various Hindu nationalist groups are trying to blame local Christians for the act."

Pastor Shukla Vikram, who bore the brunt of 2007 Kandhamal violence and whose church was a victim of extreme vandalism, told Christian Today, "The sporadic incidents happened last December during our Christmas celebrations still remain in my mind. I saw a mob of over 500 seethed with anger, ready to do anything. Over 600 Christian homes were burnt in those pre-planned attacks.

"For sure, I do not want another Kandhamal story recorded in our history books. Hence I request the intervention of global Christian community against these incidents, and for their valuable prayers for the restoration of peace," he added.