British envoy in Mangalore: Violence thwarts potential investors

The frequent outbreaks of violence on Christians in Karnataka is closely watched by those in UK, says Richard Hyde, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Bangalore, who warned that such incidents thwarts potential investors from West.

At an interactive session with entrepreneurs in Mangalore, Hyde recalled the attacks on religious institutions and minorities in the city last year, and said such incidents evoke strong international response from the US and UK.

Mangalore in 2008 witnessed attacks on Christians, their institutions, prayer halls and churches by Hindu fundamentalists who went scot-free even after several complaints and reports.

Such attacks, says Hyde, is not taken lightly by the West who considers it a direct assault on Christianity. He also pointed that UK has a strong presence of Christians from India.

"Potential investors keep asking us questions about these incidents, and it is my duty to give them a fair idea about the same, based on my interaction with the officials, and various stake holders," he was quoted saying by the Times of India.

Further on the moral policing that is very rampant in the city, Hyde opined that such incidents were seen as an attack on change, and exposed the traditional mindset of the people. He was referring to the attack on women in a pub early this year by a right-wing Hindu group.

According to the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mangalore receives the highest importance after Bangalore in Karnataka. Therefore, he expressed that maintaining a clean image was important for trade and business partnerships.

The state of Karnataka, ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), from recently has witnessed an increase in attacks on religious minorities, especially Christians in different parts of the state.

According to an advocacy group based in Bangalore, at least 43 incidents against Christians have been reported this year throughout the state.