Three arrested over India killing

Orissa has seen rising tension between Christians and Hindus

Three people in the eastern Indian state of Orissa have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Hindu leader in August, police say.

They said the suspects were Christians with strong links with Maoist rebels active in the state.

Hindu groups in the area had blamed Christians for Laxmanananda Saraswati's death which sparked subsequent clashes that left nearly 30 people dead.

Many Churches and prayer halls were also destroyed in the violence.

On Friday police said that they had arrested four people in Orissa in connection with the rape of a Catholic nun more than a month ago.

'Conversion charges'

After Mr Saraswati's death, police said they suspected Maoist guerrillas because they had left a letter claiming responsibility.

They said the attack may have been an effort by the rebels to win the support of villagers who have converted to Christianity.

But hard-line Hindu leaders have dismissed the Maoists' claim, maintaining that Christian activists were behind the slaying.

Attacks on Christians have also been reported in the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.

Hindu groups have long accused Christian priests of bribing poor tribes and low-caste Hindus to convert to Christianity.

Christians say lower-caste Hindus convert willingly to escape the Hindu caste system.