Christian advocacy group conducts 'Rights Day' rally in Bangalore

Christian rights group, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) conducted a "Rights Day" rally in Bangalore, Karnataka, June 22, to protest against the rise in anti–Christian violence in the nation.

Several eminent speakers arrived from various parts of the country to share their concerns about human rights violations and the increase in persecutions of Christians in India, particularly in the states of Karnataka, Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

Expressing solidarity, the Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore praised GCICs efforts of becoming the 'Voice' of the Christian minority community in India.

"It has raised awareness of the whenever any aggression and oppression takes place on the Christians. I have personal knowledge, of their pro–active role they have taken time and time again here in Bangalore, combating the fundamentalists, securing justice and legal assistance and also medical assistance to the Christians who are being persecuted for their faith," the archbishop was quoted as saying by AsiaNews.

"In the recent past, the Anti–Conversion Laws introduced in more states, the spiralling of Anti–Christians violence, the rise of fundamentalism are all causes of serious concern – continues the prelate – and the Government must and should recognise the 'Rights' of the Christian Minority the Country. Atrocities on any individual or community based on considerations of Caste, religion and region are totally unacceptable in a country which guarantees fundamental right of professing and practicing a religion one's choice. Hence this 'Rights Day of the GCIC is welcomed and recognised as the need of the hour," he added.

"It is timely and very meaningful to have this Rights Day rally in Bangalore. In our beloved Secular India, it is not unusual to hear almost everyday about violence, against the minority Christian population. We hope and pray that this meeting encourages every one to carry on bearing witness for Christ," AsiaNews quoted Sajan George, national president of GCIC as saying.