The Methodist Church is urging Christians to pray for believers threatened with Christmas violence in the Indian state of Orissa.

Although radical nationalists have called off a Christmas Day ‘bandh’, or state-wide shutdown, Christians in the north-eastern state remain fearful of violence after a recent wave of attacks triggered by the murder of an extremist Hindu leader in August and memories of deadly attacks on churches and Christian homes in Christmas 2007.

Christine Elliott, Secretary for External Relationships in the Methodist Church in Britain said, “The images that flash briefly across our TVs and newspapers, often represent a real human cost lived out over months and years by our brothers and sisters.

“Over Christmas and in the weeks leading up to the Indian general election in February Methodists are encouraged to join our partners the Church of North India and Church of South India, in prayer for those suffering from the communal violence.

“Let us be active rather than passive observers.”

Police in India have stepped up security across India but especially in trouble hotspots Orissa and Karnataka to ensure a peaceful Christmas for Christians.

In Bangalore, Karnataka, which recently witnessed a series of attacks on churches and a number of accusations against Christians of forced conversions, Christians have been advised to keep Christmas celebrations low key and churches have installed CCTV cameras.

In Kolkata, Bishop Ashok Biswas said police have met church leaders to discuss precautionary measures.

"Respective churches have been asked by us to take necessary measures to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Police have surveyed the premises and gathered information. I am sure they will take measures to ensure security for those attending mass," he added.

"We shall not restrict entry, but take special precautions to ensure that nothing goes wrong. We have contacted the local police station and there will be two rounds of screening before people are allowed in," said the Rev Arghya Biswas of St Paul's Cathedral.

The Times of India reported that 4,000 policemen and security personnel had been deployed to Orissa state.

"We have kept a close watch on roads, outside churches and increased night patrolling ensuring that no expense is spared for a peaceful Christmas," said Deputy Inspector General (Southern Police Range) RP Koche.