Hindus in the Indian state of Orissa are expressing regret over an attack nearly two years ago on a Christian mission which had served them for more than five decades.

“People feel very sad about it. It was not an attack on Christians but on us [Hindus],” social worker Sushil Kumar told ucanews.com when asked about the attack on the mission in Madhupur, which is part of Sambalpur diocese.

During anti-Christian violence in August 2008, some 400 Hindus destroyed everything in the mission after blaming Christians for the killing of radical Hindu leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati in Kandhamal district.

The attacks that followed destroyed around 7,000 houses, 350 churches, killed 95 people and displaced up to 60,000 others.

“Many people say it was unfortunate. It should never have happened,” said Father Sushil Kerketta, the assistant pastor.

“Hindu leaders accused the mission of being involved in conversions. But we know what sort of social work it was and still is doing,” said Satyajit Pradhan, a journalist.

The mission, now fully restored, runs a school, a hostel for boys and girls and a health-care center.

Arvind Sahu, a police official in the nearby town of Sohela, said the mob were under the influence of several leaders and did not have any ill-feeling toward the mission.

“They regret what they have done,” he added.

Although about 20 people were arrested in connection with the attack no prosecutions are likely, Sahu said.

“Since no one will testify as an eyewitness, they will not be punished,” he said, adding that “they are not really criminals. They were provoked.”

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