|
 [Editor’s note: The All India Christian Council condemns the violence which took the life of Hindutva evangelist Lashmananda Saraswati. We believe in the rule of law and never endorse violence as a solution to any conflict. Naxalites, which include many Dalits, may have empathised with and sought revenge for the suffering inflicted by Saraswati’s followers on Dalit and Tribal Christians in the Kandhamal District during Christmas 2007. But murder is the opposite of democracy and true freedom that India must embrace to become a superpower and world leader. See our press statement issued on Aug. 24, 2008.]
New Delhi: In a Naxal attack in the communally sensitive Kandhamal district in Orissa, 30 armed Naxals ambushed the Ban Basi Kalyan ashram for girls when Janmashtami celebrations were taking place on Saturday evening killing six people. The Naxals threw grenades and opened indiscriminate firing at the ashram. All the dead were prominent VHP leaders including senior leader and ashram chief, Lashmananda Saraswati, Arupananda, Chinmayananda and Mata Bhaktimayee.
Lashmananda Saraswati had received a letter threatening him on Saturday morning, asking him to stop religious activities at the ashram. Tension broke out at some places in the tribal-dominated Kandhmal after the attack on the ashram and roads leading to Tumudibandh were sealed, police said adding steps were taken to prevent any communal flare-up in the district. Kandhamal, which witnessed violence during Christmas in December last year, has long been a communal flash point. In January this year too, violence had erupted after Christian missionaries were attacked by Hindu groups.
The district has been put on high alert and additional police forces, including the CRPF, have been rushed in to keep stock of the situation. Section 144 imposed in entire Kandhamal district. Meanwhile, the whole state has been put on high alert. VHP has called for 12-hour Orissa bandh on Monday to protest the killings. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed the people to maintain peace. He has also promised to take stringent action against those found guilty. (Source: CNN-IBN, "Naxals attack ashram, kill 5 key VHP leaders in Orissa", Aug. 24, 2008, http://www.ibnlive.com/news/naxals-attack-ashram-kill-5-key-vhp-leaders-in-orissa/71990-3-1.html) |
News 
