Socio-economic Boycott in Orissa

Orissa – Hindu extremists in Sundergard district on April 13 held a Christian family captive, imposing a socio-economic boycott on them and other Christians for helping Christian neighbors rebuild houses burned in 2008 violence. The Global Council of Indian Christians reported that Hindu extremists laid siege to Keshav Digal’s house in Bodimunda village, and held his family captive, including four women, for one night. Announcing the boycott, the extremists said they would fine shopkeepers who sold goods to him and other Christians. Subsequently, all truck owners refused to transport goods to Christians, as the Hindu extremists had already damaged one truck Digal had leased. The GCIC reported that police did nothing to help Digal’s family even after they arrived, though Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar said a case had been registered and was under investigation. Naveen Nayak, a local Christian leader, said that no vehicles were even allowed to bring Christians to hospitals, according to the GCIC. Another village resident, Joseph Digal, said, “When I brought housing materials in a rented tractor, the vehicle was damaged. Police filed a case only when the superintendent of police was informed about it.” At least 97 area Christian families whose houses were damaged during the 2008 violence were trying to rebuild their dwellings after the state government released initial funds for repairs. – MS