Following objections from some MPs, the head of the local government has decided to withdraw the controversial bill from the Legislative Assembly’s agenda; like in other Indian states, the bill targeted “unlawful religious conversions”. Catholic leaders and representatives of other minority groups had expressed concern.
A Hindu fundamentalist group is behind the measure. "Fundamentalists are continuously plotting schemes to instil terror in the minds of these poor folks," says Bishop Bilung. With the monsoons on their way, evicted Tribals do not have time to find shelter.
Aid worker back from Tamil Nadu talks about the local population's gratitude, hope and courage after seeing the missionaries' active commitment to reconstruction.
Donations from Christians, Muslims and Hindus finance the building of a chapel dedicated to Mother Teresa in Tamil Nadu. Authorities in Punjab unveil a statue of the Blessed of Kolkata, "Mother of the poor and the oppressed".
The Indian Christian who was freed last after a media campaign on his behalf calls on the press and on international human rights organisations to save the eight Christians arrested in Riyadh.
Hindus want to stop Tribals from getting a Catholic education so as to better control them, says the Bishop of Amravati. Government and press are abetting the whole thing. "The authorities should wake up; such episodes are the seed of a great tragedy", says human rights activist.
US Secretary of State Rice welcomes 'multiethnic' India's role in reconstruction.
Over 70 per cent of projects underway are the work of the Church and NGOs, says rector of the Vailankanni shrine. Clinton's visit in India was quick and brought nothing to the population.
Records and classrooms burned. The local priest: an act by "thugs" against the defenceless, the government must not stand by and watch.
Hindu fundamentalists come under suspicion for the incident. The Archbishop of Hyderabad calls for state intervention. He says that extremists are working underground and fundamentalist spies and informers are penetrating Christian communities to collect information and plan attacks.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has opened a boarding school to teach the organisation's slogans and Hindu devotional practices to kids, with the result that many young Tribals, including young Christians, are returning to Hinduism.
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