ASIA/INDIA - Prime Minister promises protection for minorities, bishops call for “concrete action”

Wednesday, 18 February 2015

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – Words to be followed by concrete action: with this remark the Catholic Bishops of India responded to a statement by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who promised commitment on the part of his government to protect religious minorities. “We welcome his words and now expect concrete action to end violence” Fides was told by Fr. Joseph Chinnayyan, spokesman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
According to the spokesman, the words of Modi, in the past criticised for remaining silent in the face of episodes of violence against Christians and also recent attacks on churches in Delhi, “are an important statement: the Premier affirmed that all religions in India, whether majority or minority, have the same rights and every individual has the freedom to profess and diffuse his or her beliefs. We welcome these words which are a message for all, including Hindu extremist groups. Now we are waiting to see action”.
Modi took part in an event organised by the Syro-Malabarese Catholic Church to commemorate the canonisation last year of two Indians: his presence was welcomed as a good sign. In his speech for the occasion, among other things, he said: “I condemn all episodes of violence which target religious minorities. No religious group may incite to violence. My government intends to guarantee freedom of belief and no religious group, whether majority or minority, may incite to hatred against another group, directly or indirectly”.
India’s population of about 1.2 billion, is 75% Hindu, 13% Muslim and Christians (all confessions) amount to about 4.5% of the population; followed by other minority religious groups. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2015)


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