Hundreds gathered on August 29, 2025, at Bhrungijodi in Kandhamal District of the state of Odisha to observe the 16th anniversary of the anti-Christian violence of 2007–2008.
“The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all individuals, irrespective of caste or social standing. Let us stand united as SC, ST, and OBC communities to defend our religious rights,” urged Pradeep Kanhar, an advocate and president of the Tribal Movement of Odisha.
A memorandum was submitted to Prafulla Pradhan, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Udayagiri constituency, urging him to raise the issue of justice for Christians in the Assembly. “I myself am a victim of the 2007–2008 anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal,” the MLA said. “It is the duty of the government to ensure compensation for the victims, and I will raise this memorandum in the Assembly session.”
The memorandum, addressed to the President of India, highlights widespread legal and structural injustices faced by Christians and marginalized communities across the country. It notes that Scheduled Caste Christians remain excluded from SC status.
It also denounces the misuse of anti-conversion laws, the weaponization of the PESA Act in Scheduled Areas to evict Christian families and deny burial rights, the closure of house churches, criminalization of Christian prayer, and the vulnerability of Christian women, girls, and nuns to harassment, sexual violence, and false charges.
Widow Raimoti Digal from Kasnipadar recalled her painful loss: “I still feel deep grief, anger, guilt, loneliness, and profound sadness after losing my husband. It is hard to believe 16 years have passed.”
The event included a procession of survivors and victims’ families, demonstrating solidarity and respect for those who suffered during the violence. About 25 leaders from different organizations and institutions joined the commemoration.
“Our gathering gives courage, strength, and hope to the minority Christians of Phiringia Block,” said Fr. Manoj Kumar Nayak, Catholic priest and adviser to the Kandhamal Nyaya, Shanti O Sadbhavana Samaj, which organized the event.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
