In Orissa it is the Hindu fundamentalists who are ruling. The minority Christian community is under surveillance. They have no freedom, even to seek the help of pastor when in need. Even if they manage to get one, he is chased away by vigilant RSS men.

Take the case of one Abraham (name changed). He was taken to hospital when he turned critically ill. Finding no hope, he sought the help of a pastor. But when the pastor arrived, he was chased away by RSS men. In the end the patient had to be taken back home where he died without any pastor to pray for him.

Incidentally God’s retribution was immediate. One who took the lead to chase away the pastor landed up in hospital and later shifted to Berhampore Medical College, where he lies paralysed!  He is now ready to accept Christians and their faith!

Traders boycotted

It all started by Brahman traders, ending up in an anti-Brahman fight. No tribal and Dalit Christians buy anything from them. For they have opened their own shops. After the recent attack on a church and a number of Christian houses, RSS declared two days of bandh. All the shops in Raikia were closed for two days.

Realising that the RSS was playing a big game, Dalit Christians decided to open their own shops under self-help programme. When the Brahman traders saw the Christians boycotting their shops, they went to police. But the Christians said the Brahman traders closed their shops whenever they wanted. Moreover they played a key role in attacking the church and Christian houses. “How can we buy from them?” they questioned. The police had no answer. They quietly left the place.

RSS meeting

Meanwhile the RSS held a meeting at Raikia Hindu Ashram in which about 7000 people  took part, probably to block supply of items to Christian traders. However the Brahman traders are not happy with the development, as their business has been going down day by day. “Had we known it before, we would not have joined the RSS,” one of them said.