South Asia

Grace Ministry Church targeted by fundamentalists for allegedly proselytizing. A Muslim family living in the area reports community. One person risks arm amputation from bullet wounds, a second thrown from the roof of the building.

Two Italian marines to be held for a further 7 days. Relatives of victims experience a "strong sense of insecurity." Pinku’s widow left in dire straits: The Tamil Nadu Government has no job or home for her.

A mob stormed the school where Saira Khokhar teaches in an attempt to abduct her after she was accused of burning a copy of the Qur'an. Little is known of the affair, but police had to take the woman into custody even though no formal charges have yet been laid. Paul Bhatti and other Christian activists have come to her defence.

Among the victims are also two NATO soldiers. The protests going on for 48 hours, despite the appeals of President Karzai. AsiaNews sources warn of a possible manipulation by the Taliban. According to the NATO mission in charge, the books were burned by accident. In Kabul, the staff has barred Western diplomats inside the embassies of fear of violence and reprisals.

The message of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. This year's theme is "Unity through reconciliation". Invitation to the faithful not to limit themselves to ceremonies, but to build a relationship with God, to share an authentic Easter.

AsiaNews sources in Afghanistan define the episode as yet another act of violence against the Afghan people. The events are concentrated in areas outside the capital. In Bagram thousands of people storm the NATO base. U.S. embassy in Kabul closed.

Fr Stephen G. Kulakkayathil, secretary general of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council and a priest in the Diocese of Quilon, confirms the absence of hostility towards Italians. However, the fishermen need help and security. The Indian Church slams the political use of the incident.

After issuing an international warrant that led to his arrest in the United Arab Emirates, police decides there is a "lack of evidence" against the Malik, who should be released shortly. The other suspect, Zia ur-Rehman, is still at large. For Islamabad bishop, the police is using "delaying tactics". For him, "justice delayed is justice denied."

This is what the chancellor of the archdiocese of Trivandrum (Kerala) says. The death penalty is not likely to be imposed, he adds. Two weeks ago, another Indian fishing boat was attacked by an unknown ship. No one was killed on that occasion. Tense relations with Italy are part of domestic Indian politics.

His Beatitude George Alencherry, major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar Church (Kerala), is one of the 22 new cardinals created by Benedict XVI. In India, globalisation is widening the gap between rich and poor and the Church, "through its educational and social services, in conjunction with the government and NGOs, can limit its negative effects." He voices his support for missing Chinese bishops.

Because of cutbacks, temple authorities at Pashupatinath (Kathmandu) filled ablution fountains with sewer water. For the first time in centuries, Indian gurus deserted Mahashivaratri.

Thegani Devi Yadav, 40, supported two children and in-laws with her work. The government provides compensation and punishes the culprits. A famous healer and magician, tied her and set her on fire with the help of some villagers. Human rights activists explain that "it is a very common practice" and the legacy of a society "dominated by Hinduism."