Fear and fundamentalism in India

[saltwn]

In the Indian state of Orissa, Chris Morris finds communities in shock following a wave of anti-Christian violence, which has forced thousands to flee.They call Bhubaneshwar India's temple city.

Over two millennia, thousands of intricately carved Hindu temples have been constructed in Orissa's state capital.

Many of them still stand testimony to the faith of the people. They are often places of serenity and calm.
But travel for five hours into the interior, into the lush green hills of central Orissa, and Hinduism takes on a new and more menacing form.

In the remote district of Kandhamal, fundamentalists have been at work.

Militant groups who say they speak in the name of Hinduism, have been burning Bibles and killing Christians.

Mob rule

Horror stories have emerged from the worst anti-Christian pogroms since Indian independence.

At one of the many relief camps dotted around the region, I was told of a man named Parikkit Nayak, who escaped from the initial surge of violence.
Two days later as he tried to flee from his village with his wife and two children, he was caught by a local mob.

They tied a rope around his neck and dragged him along the ground for 400m (1,312ft).

Bruised and battered, he was then paraded through the village like an animal and asked if he would renounce Christianity. When he said no, he was cut to pieces with knives, while his young family had to look on. BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own Correspondent | Fear and fundamentalism in India

Hey I thought Hindus were supposed to be pacifists as in
"Hailoo, could I blease have yur accound number?"

[cnredd]

Every religion has it's radicals; just because they're not publicized doesn't mean they don't exist...

Islam is widely interpreted as the "Religion of peace", yet we see large swaths everyday doing everything poissible to destoy that myth...

Just the same, we hear of "Hinduism" from the parts that have touched (and even embraced) western civilization....But the parts that haven't still live according to archaic traditions...They also have honor killings...

[hussein]

Unfortunately, there has long been sectarian tensions in India...particularly between Hindus and Muslims, but also between Hindus and Christians, for instance.

[cnredd]

Originally Posted by hussein

Unfortunately, there has long been sectarian tensions in India...particularly between Hindus and Muslims, but also between Hindus and Christians, for instance.

You're going to find that in every aspect...not just religion...

Success against radicals only happens when their message is marginalized instead of trumpeted...

[saltwn]

Originally Posted by cnredd

You're going to find that in every aspect...not just religion...

Success against radicals only happens when their message is marginalized instead of trumpeted...

I wonder if there were any Muslims at the Al Smith dinner? I'm assumig there were. Anybody know?