Orissa catechist found murdered

Yuvraj Digal, a Christian in the state of Orissa was found murdered on Thursday, after Hindu radicals attacked him and his son on Dec. 17.

Catechist Digal and his son were returning home from Tikabali village, Kandhamal, when a mob of nearly 50 attacked them.

Digal's son Bhidyadhar managed to escape the mob attack and sought for help from the nearest police station. "They stopped him, insulted him and began beating him without any pity," the son said.

According to Church sources, the extremists severely injured the Christian, causing head injuries that they believe has caused his death.

Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), meanwhile, condemned the attack and called for action by the state police.

Says GCIC: "This is just a prelude of what is expected to occur on Dec. 25 - a bandh declared by Hindu groups."

Earlier this week, the Orissa govt. asserted that it would call off the bandh declared by the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Sradhanjali Samiti.

"No shutdown will be permitted Dec 25. The government will come down heavily on those who try to create any trouble," said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.