Irpinguda, India: The scars of a dark chapter in India’s history resurface as the walls of a church crumble in Kandhamal district, where brutal attacks on Christians occurred 16 years ago. Survivors still grapple with fears of their minority status in a predominantly Hindu nation, especially with India’s impending elections and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated victory, known for his Hindu nationalist stance.
In 2008, mobs wreaked havoc across Odisha’s eastern state following the murder of a Hindu priest and his followers, leaving at least 101 dead. Deepti, a victim of the violence, recounts her harrowing experience of being gang-raped as a mob sought retribution against her uncle’s Catholicism refusal.
The aftermath saw dozens of churches, prayer halls, and homes vandalized, displacing tens of thousands. Last year, the Vatican initiated the beatification process for 35 killed during the violence, termed the “Kandhamal martyrs,” bringing a semblance of solace to the community.
However, the looming threat persists, with Hindu nationalist groups alleging forced conversions by Christians, leading to sporadic attacks. In Kandhamal, survivors like Raheli Digal remain haunted by memories, fearing a resurgence of violence against their community.
While Modi’s government assures inclusivity, survivors like Digal remain skeptical amid ongoing reports of violence. As the nation braces for elections, the fate of minorities hangs in the balance, with apprehensions about their safety lingering.