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 Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh – December 27, 2006: Aicc leaders in Orissa and Gujarat have cautioned authorities to be alert in case of violence against Christians during the Christmas season. Aicc officers issued press releases and letters to local and state authorities.
In Orissa, Rev. Dr. P.R. Parichha, President of Orissa Chapter, wrote to the District Collector of Bhadrak District on 22 December 2006. In his letter, he documented recent handbills distributed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Tihidi Branch. The brochures called for a huge Hindu gathering at Tihidi Kalli Ground on the afternoon of December 25, 2006. The purpose was to protest the arrest of five people who allegedly tonsured and beat a young Christian man for his Christian faith in Gopaldohora village. The scheduled chief speaker was a famous Swami who is known for making inflammatory anti-Christian statements in Phulbani and other parts of Orissa. In 2004, this swami allegedly inspired people to attack a church at Raikia and conduct other communal violence. aicc officials in Orissa strongly urged that police protect Gokulpur and Gopaldohora villages in particular and other nearby villages where Christian communities live. They also asked that the swami not be allowed to speak at the gathering. In Gujarat, Samson C. Christian, National Executive Member and Joint Secretary, wrote to the Gujarat State and Home Affairs Ministries as well as police officials. In a press release on December 23, 2006, he cited attacks throughout 2006 in Dahod District, Bhavnagar District, Surat District, and Dang District. Historically, the worst attacks during Christmas holidays were in 1999 when radical Hindus created communal violence between Christmas and the New Year holidays in rural Gujarat . Reporters from the UCA News wrote on December 21, 2006 in the Indian Catholic about the special fears of Christians living in the Dangs District. The article was titled “As Christmas approaches, tribal Christians in Gujarat fear advent of troubles.” In light of this and the violence throughout 2006 against Christians in Gujarat , Mr. Christian requested that all religious monuments (churches), organizations, and Christian residential areas be given police protection during the coming days.
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