Anti-Christian violence getting worse

Since 24 August when the pogrom began 59 Christians have been killed, 18,000 injured, 177 churches destroyed or damaged, 4,300 homes set on fire, and 13 schools and colleges laid waste.

New Delhi (AsiaNews) – From 24 August to 29 September a violent anti-Christian campaign has killed 59 Christians, destroyed or damaged 177 churches, set fire to 4,300 homes, laid waste 13 schools and colleges, created 50,000 refugees and injured 18,000 people. Catholic activist and All India Christian Chairman Council John Dayal provided AsiaNews with the data.

The pogrom broke out first in Orissa state after the death of radical Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and then spread to other Indian states.

Here are figures per state provided by the All India Christian Council:

ORISSA

14 districts affected; 300 villages destroyed; 4,300 houses burnt; 50,000 homeless; 57 people murdered; 10 Fathers/Pastors/nuns injured; 2 women gang-raped; 18,000 men, women and children injured; 149 churches as well as 13 schools and colleges destroyed.

KARNATAKA

4 districts devastated; 19 churches attacked; 20 nuns and women injured.

KERALA

3 churches damaged.

MADHYA PRADESH

4 churches damaged.

DELHI

1 church destroyed; attempts made against 4 other.

TAMAIL NADU

1 church attacked.

UTTAR PRADESH

Two people, an old priest and employee, murdered.