Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Life is not easy for India’s Christians. There have been at least 200 cases of anti-Christian violence and intolerance already this year. The government must take urgent measures to improve the situation. This emerged from a report issued by the All India Catholic Union (AICU), an association of over 16 million Indian Catholics. AICU sent its report and a letter to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh protesting against unjustified attacks against Christians and Christian institutions and places of worship.
The report was elaborated in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, the National Council of Churches in India and the All India Christian Council.
AICU voices concern that in 2005 there have already been as many anti-Christian incidents as in years when the country was ruled by the BJP nationalist Hindu party Bharatiya Janata Party, known for its ideology of indulgence towards Hindu extremists and says Christians must be guaranteed the same justice and rights as other citizens of India. According to the report the States most affected by violence are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
AICU chairman John Dayal calls on the government to publish an Official Statement on the conditions of religious minorities, Tribals and people without caste, or Dalits , something which the National Minorities Commission has never done
AICU also denounces discrimination against Dalit Christians, Tribals and poor farmers who are denied rights including the fundamental right to education ,.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/11/2005 righe 24 parole 249)
