Church groups say more than 26 people were killed in the week-long violence in Orissa, in which Hindu fanatics also burned down or destroyed some 4,000 Christian homes, several churches and convents.
The violence began after the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a Hindu religious leader, and five of his associates on Aug. 23 in Kandhamal district. Maoists reportedly claimed responsibility for the killings But Hindu radicals allege gunmen hired by Christians murdered their spiritual leader, a charge all Christian groups have denied. The 85-year Hindu leader, based in Kandhamal district, had for several decades opposed conversions to Christianity.
