Here is the press release by Christian Leaders in Orissa to condemn the malicious hate compaign unleashed againest christians with false allegations levelled against the church by Hindu fundumentalist groups
The press conference held on 9 Oct 2008 at 3pm at Swosti Hotel, Bubaneswar Date: 9 Oct 2008 Time: 3.00 pm Venue: Swosti Hotel, Bubaneswar CHRISTIAN LEADERS - MEET PRESS Christian Leaders condemn the malicious hate compaign unleashed against Christians with false allegations levelled against the church by Hindu Fundamentalist groups Following the heinous killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on 23rd August 2008, a Maoist group claimed responsibility, which was denied by Hindu Fundamentalist groups and a mallicious hate campaign orchestrated against Christians. Christians of Kandhamal and other places in Orissa were attacked as the pre-mediated attacks continued village after village on the Christian homes, churches and institutions. As the violence ws receding following appropriate law and order enforcement, an "on-television" confession by a Maoist leader on 5th October 2008 claiming responsibility for the killing of Swami Saraswati further came as a relief because the hate compaign lost its violent impact. Painfully the hate campaign reignited as the Hindu Fundamentalist groups on 6th October 2008 produced a document in Press Conference claiming involvement of church in the criminal activities. To our utter astonishment, the said claim was found to be baseless as the Betikala Church, Kandhamal which is mentioned in this document did not conduct the alledged meeting on 25th day of May 2008. Further, the concerned Church's leaders (President and General Secretary) after perusing this document found the content to be entirely fabricated and their signatures had been forged. We strongly condemn this attitude of the Hindu fundumentalist organisations attempting to drag Christians and the Church into this chrime purposefully by fanning elements of hate to sustain the campaign against Christians signed by Fr. Joseph Kalathil, Vicar Generalm Bubaneshwar Arch Diocese Dr. Swarupananda Patra President Orissa Minority Forum Fr Savari Mathu SJ, Catholic Church Bubaneshwar Fr. Prafulla Ku Sabhapati, President, Bethikala Parish Council, Kandhamal Mr. Bibhudatta Das, CEO, CNI, Utkal Christian Council Mr. Prafulla Ku Nayak, General Sec, Bethikala Parishi Council Kandhamal.