On the 31st of July 2009 a large crowd of Islamic Extremists went on rampage and attacked the Christians of Korian Village near Gojra town in the province of Punjab, Pakistan for the alleged reason of defiling their Holy Scriptures Quran due to which scores of people have been killed and been missing.  According to an update received from the National Council of Churches in Pakistan, Christians in the said village were attacked and seven members of a family were even burnt alive, two shot dead and their houses were gutted completely.

The violence erupted when charges of blasphemy were leveled against Talib Masih, an illiterate scrap collector who ignorantly brought home a piece of paper that had Quranic verses written on it along with some other old and used papers from the villages. When it came to the knowledge of some local Muslims they out rightly alleged that Talib's children had ripped apart the paper of the Holy Quran and provoked other fellow Muslim villagers to punish them with death.  This was immediately announced from the Mosques and led to forming of armed mobs to attack the Christians.  Christians have fled to safety and many young girls have been reported to be missing.

We the youth of South Asia Christian Youth Network vehemently condemn this heinous act of terrorism and targeted killing of Christians without any evidence of their involvement in desecrating the Quran.  We demand that justice be done to the Christians in Pakistan and their life, property and faith is protected by the Provincial and Central Governments.  Let us uphold our brothers and sisters in Pakistan who are passing through a difficult time such as this so that they can have Shalom!

In solidarity with the suffering people,

Kasta Dip
Coordinator, South Asia Christian Youth Network

The subcontinent of South Asia, cosmic and diverse, has always topped the headlines in mainstream media globally for its continuous struggle and war against terrorism. Seeking peace in the region is a cry in the wilderness. Time and again Cricket, as a sport, has promoted relationship and has healed the wounds of animosity between the nations in South Asia. Cricket has created so much of craze in the hearts of people that it is regarded as a religion in this part of the world. But, today's attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket Team by unidentified gunmen in Lahore is an attack not only on the sporting spirit of the cricket playing nations but also on the humanity as a whole.

The South Asia Christian Youth Network strongly condemns this attack in which many Sri Lankan players have been severely injured and mourns the death of those policemen who were killed. We are shocked and pained by this beastly act of terrorists and urge the people of all nations and all religions to pray for peace and the people who are working for peace.

Shalom!

Kasta Dip
Coordinator, South Asia Christian Youth Network

People in today's context are seeking for peace and reconciliation much more then ever before. We must now come together to the negotiating table leaving behind all forms of extremism and violence. The South Asia Christian Youth Network is deeply concerned about the ongoing air attacks between Israel and Palestine, and urges both the sides to STOP war in Ghaza which is killing innocent people.

We strongly condemn any of form of violence and seek to promote peace and harmony. We cannot justify inflicting violence and killing innocent civilians terming it as 'self-defence'. Everyone has a right to live a 'peaceful life' and we are committed to safeguard such rights.

Always in solidarity with the victims of war and violence,

Kasta Dip
Coordinator, South Asia Christian Youth Network

The financial and entertainment Capital of India, Mumbai, was targeted once again by terrorists last week killing 190 and leaving 300 people severely wounded in key places of importance such as Hotel Taj International, Hotel Trident International, Hotel Oberoi and Nariman House. The dead included many eminent and key personalities of India and overseas.

The South Asia Christian Youth Network condemns this wanton attack on innocent people and calls for peace in the region. Over the years the region has witnessed unprecedented acts of terrorism and violence leading to breakdown in bilateral relationship between neighbouring countries and people to people contact has been put on hold. The youth of South Asian churches stand united in solidarity with the family members and friends of those killed and left traumatized. We pray that God will comfort the bereaved and heal the wounds of those left injured and hurt. We also pray that God will change the hearts of people who commit such acts of killing innocent people.

Shalom in Christ!

The killing of a Hindu priest Laxmanananda Saraswati on 23rd August 2008 by the Maoists has erupted communal violence in the tribal dominated Kandhamal district in Orissa. In an interview the Maoists have claimed openly that they have killed the priest for his 'fascist activities' but his followers have made the Christian community responsible for his killing as the slain Hindu leader was leading the mayhem to reconvert converted Christians forcibly back to Hinduism. On several occasions he had fuelled communal tension in the area in which many Christians have been killed. Under his leadership hundreds of Christian houses and churches were set ablaze, vandalized, and desecrated during the last Christmas season. People had to flee to jungle to save their lives and battled the cold for nearly a month.

Thus, his supporters blindly feel that Christians were involved in his killing, and they are on rampage killing Christians, burning churches and houses. So far, there have been already over 90 instances of violence, 30 Christians killed including the burning alive of at least eight persons and over six hundred homes in different parts of Orissa, mostly in Kandhamal district. More than 50,000 people have been displaced and left homeless. Thousands of Christians are still hiding in forests and nearly 17,000 people are now living at relief camps.

Police and administration have not been able to control the situation. In the meantime many political leaders like the State Chief Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Governor of Orissa have visited the riot-hit areas and met with the victims who are now homeless and staying at relief camps. Although the Supreme Court has directed the State Administration to protect the Christians living the State, the onslaught goes on unabated.

The South Asia Christian Youth Network condemns the violence perpetrated against Christian minority by the Hindu fundamentalists and appeal for prayers and solidarity for the victims who are left traumatized and are still in the grip of fear.