Orissa: Catholics attacked by hundreds of tribal Hindus
Bhubaneswar (AsiaNews) - A hundred tribal Hindus attacked, beat and insulted seven Catholic couples in Kupibadi village in Kandhamal district in the Indian state of Orissa, the scene in August 2008 of anti-Christian pogroms. The incident which occurred yesterday was sparked by issues related to land and the transfer of cattle for grazing. A local priest reports that the incident had "shocked" the faithful who fear for "their lives, their children’s lives, for the safety of their homes and property."
Local sources reveal to AsiaNews that the tribal Hindus from Danikibadi barred Catholics from transiting cattle through their village, grazing in the nearby forest and surrounding fields. Danikibadi is 3 km from the village of Kupibadi - home to 18 Catholic families, a total of 80 - and is a must for believers who want to reach their homes.
Catholics have denounced the harassment of Hindus to local government officials, who held a meeting to settle the issue. In the face to face meeting, the tribal Hindus attacked 14 Catholics (seven married couples, representing the community), even with stones. A man was seriously injured in the leg, they ripped earrings and a chain from a woman. Others have reported bruises or minor injuries.
At first Daringbadi police refused to accept the Catholics complaint and only after repeated requests opened an investigation. The situation was no better even in the government health centre, where doctors refused to treat the injured. Doctors, fearing legal complications or complaints, intervened only after being cleared by the police.
Fr Ratikant Ranjit, from the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, explains how the incident had "shocked" the community of Catholics. He is providing them with legal assistance and psychological support, because they fear for "their lives, their children’s lives, for the safety of their homes and property”. The inaction of police and doctors confirms the abandonment and isolation suffered by the minority. "We are close to our Catholics – clarifies the priest - in their demands for peace and justice." He also calls for security guarantees before the Catholics return to their homes.
Ranjit confirms "brainwashing" that " radical groups have imposed on Hindus " in the district of Kandhamal in Orissa and other parts of India. A campaign of hatred and violence against Christians, resulted in attacks in December 2007 and the anti-Christian pogrom of August 2008 which claimed over 500 victims. " We will try to check - concludes the priest - the spread of this atmosphere of hate."
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