ASIA/INDIA - Christians: "Obama speak with Narendra Modi about religious minorities"

Monday, 26 January 2015

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - President Obama should address the issue of religious minorities in India during the talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: is what Indian Christians ask for during US President Barack Obama's visit in India (25 -27 January). President Obama is the main host of the celebration of Republic Day being held today, January 26.
According to Christian organizations, the US leader should express concern over the violence suffered by religious minorities in India. In the eight months of his government, the nationalist party "Bharatiya Janata Party", led by Modi, "the situation of religious minorities has worsened", says a note sent to Fides by a group of NGOs in India.
"The campaigns of incitement to hatred are systematic, orchestrated also by members of the BJP party and Hindu extremist groups that promote attacks against religious minorities" in particular against Muslim and Christian communities, which are respectively 13% and 2, 5% of the population.
The Persecution Report 2014, prepared by the Catholic organization "Catholic Secular Forum" reports that five Christians, including a 11-year-old boy, were killed by religious hatred in India in 2014. Together with them, more than 300 priests, pastors and leaders of the Christian communities were attacked, beaten and injured. Among the victims of violence, promoted by radical Hindu groups, there are more than 2,000 women and Christian children.
The NGO "Christian Solidarity Worldwide" comments: "Prime Minister Modi’s silence on these issues that affect religious minorities in India creates tensions within these communities. On an important day which recalls the history and vision of the great Indian nation, we ask the issue of pluralism and human rights for all citizens of India to be highlighted". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/01/2015)


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