16th Anniversary of Anti-Christian Violence of 2007–2008 Observed in Kandhamal, Odisha

Bhrungijodi, Odisha, August 30, 2025: Hundreds of people gathered at Bhrungijodi in Phiringia Block of Kandhamal District, Odisha, to mark the 16th anniversary of the anti-Christian violence of 2007–2008.

Chief speaker and advocate Pradeep Kanhar, who also serves as president of the tribal movement of Odisha, reminded the gathering of the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. “A fundamental human right is guaranteed to all citizens under the Indian Constitution. Articles 25–28 ensure freedom of religion to all individuals, irrespective of caste or social standing. Let us unite as SC, ST and OBC for our religious rights,” he said. He further urged people to strive for social justice by promoting the welfare of all.

The organisers submitted a memorandum to the local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Udayagiri constituency, urging him to raise the issue of injustice against Christians in the Assembly session.

“I myself am a victim of the 2007–2008 anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure compensation for the victims. I shall put forward this memorandum in the Assembly session,” assured chief guest Prafulla Pradhan, MLA of Udayagiri constituency.

The memorandum to the President of India highlighted systemic injustices faced by Christians and other marginalised groups. It drew attention to the exclusion of Scheduled Caste Christians from SC status due to the discriminatory 1950 Presidential Order. It also noted how anti-conversion laws are misused violently, while legislations such as PESA are weaponised to evict Christian families, deny burial rights and enforce social boycotts. House churches are forcibly shut down and Christian prayer practices criminalised. Women, girls and nuns remain vulnerable to harassment, sexual violence and public humiliation under false charges of conversion. Attacks on pastors and congregations continue, while the memorandum also stressed that “healing Manipur is essential to preserving India’s unity.”

The victims and survivors listed their demands, including impartial investigations into all violence, prevention of misuse of freedom of religion Acts, fair compensation for the 2007–2008 Kandhamal violence, the setting up of a Minority Commission in Odisha, and the promotion of interfaith dialogue for communal harmony. They also called for an expedited Supreme Court hearing on the issue of SC Christian reservation and the strengthening of protective mechanisms for at-risk Christian communities in high-incidence states.

“I still feel intense grief, shock, anger, guilt, loneliness and profound sadness after losing my husband. It is hard to believe 16 years have passed,” lamented Raimoti Digal of Kasnipadar, paying tribute to her late husband, Gaya Digal.

The commemoration included a procession demonstrating solidarity with victims. Around 25 leaders from various organisations and institutions played a leading role in the observance.

“Our gathering gives courage, strength and hope to minority Christians of Phiringia Block. The families of the victims of the 1984 Sikh massacre received compensation after 39 years of struggle. May the government fulfil the demands and appeals for the victims of anti-Christian violence of 2007–2008, as we have mentioned in the memorandum,” said Fr. Manoj Kumar Nayak, Catholic priest and adviser to the Kandhamal Nyao, Shanti O Sadbhawana Samaj, which organised the event.

By Purushottam Nayak

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