Anti-Christian violence getting worse
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.
(Photo: Indian Catholic)