Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhopal (Fides Service) - A formal complaint was submitted by Christian leaders and organizations against Prabath Jha, President of the state of Madya Pradesh (central India): The President, political leader who is an active member of the Hindu nationalist party "Bharatiya Janata Party" (BJP), gave speeches that incite religious hatred and violence against Christians. The occasion for such expression of opinion is the upcoming vote in the district of Jabera, to elect a representative in State Parliament. "Christian missionaries are involved in forced mass conversions in Jabera. People need to take revenge for such conversions", the President said publicly. These statements, as sources of Fides noted" should never come from a representative of institutions", they have alarmed the Christians in Madhya Pradesh, as they could inflame and provoke anti-Christian violence.
Fr. Anand Muttungal, Coordinator of the Ecumenical Forum "Isai Mahasangh" and spokesman for the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh, told Fides: "The BJP continues to do everything possible to split the community. It is not the first time that it raises allegations of conversion on the eve of elections: when there is a Christian candidate, the question of conversions is exploited for political aim and Christians are portrayed as demons. It is a clear violation of the moral code of conduct for public officials. "The forum expressed concern about the safety of Christians and called for vigilance of the police as such speeches can induce the militants of radical Hindu groups, supported by the BJP, to unleash massive attacks against individuals, churches or Christian institutions. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/17/2011)
