Nirmala Carvalho

Vikram Nayak was killed, and then cut to pieces. Two Christians die two days after suffering serious injuries. Unrest by radical Hindus continues as police is ordered to shoot on sight those who break the curfew. Two nuns who were attacked tell their stories; Catholic schools to close for a day; the faithful are called to observe a day of prayer and fasting.

Radical Hindus pursue their pogrom against Christians and their institutions. Catholic and Protestant institutions come under attack. People who fled into the forest are without food and shelter. Police imposes a curfew.

The Holy See has called on everyone to rebuild an atmosphere of dialogue and reconciliation. Cardinal Gracias, who chairs the conference of Indian bishops, accuses the government of being too slow in acting and the police of being ineffective. He expresses sorrow for the death of Hindu fundamentalist leader Swami Laxamananda. Violence against nuns and missionaries, who give their life for the social development of the population, is “diabolic”. Mother Teresa’s successor Sister Nirmala Joshi says that one cannot be disciple of Christ without paying the price, on the Cross.

Mgr Raphael Cheenath, archbishop of Cuttack-Bubaneshwar, talks about the situation of the Church following attacks against churches, cars and people in Orissa. There is a link between Hindu nationalist ideology and Nazism. For him though, Christianity has “deep roots” in the state and the Church is the “light” for many Tribals and outcasts.

Orissa: Hindu extremists burn one nun alive, rape another

The Prime Minister of Tibet’s Government-in-Exile Samdhong Rinpoche tells AsiaNews that there was no massacre by the Chinese army in Tibet in recent days. Any current controversy stems from a wrong translation during the Tibetan leader’s interview with French daily Le Monde.

Anti-Christian violence rises dramatically. In Orissa state no action is taken against the perpetrators of last Christmas’ violence; instead religious men and women are investigated for alleged conversions. In Kerala bishops call on the authorities to find the murderers of Father Thomas who was laid to rest today.

38 year old Fr. Thomas Pandippallyil, was assassinate don the night of August 16th on his way to a village to celebrate Sunday mass. His body showed signs of torture, with wounds to his face, his hands and legs broken and his eyes pulled from their sockets. The bishop of Hyderabad denounces the growing climate of “violence against Catholics” in the country.

The cardinal of Mumbai talks to AsiaNews about the difficulties and hopes of the "world's largest democracy". The Church's work on behalf of the poor and marginalized, to keep the forces that want to divide the country from prevailing.

The conflict in the region is intensifying. The Muslims are defying the curfew, and clashing with police. Hindus are blocking roads and trains. Severe controversy between Pakistan and India, which says that the peace process is in danger.

A mine and industrial plants will go forward in Orissa. Although this often leads to the alienation and destruction of entire communities, which are deprived of their land, their only form of support, and brings them no concrete advantages.

The prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile gives an interview. He extends his best wishes to the people of China who have “every right to enjoy the grandeur of the Olympics”. He criticises the government of China but also the rule of economic interests and trade over rights and principles. He calls for a day of prayer and fasting on 30 August.