Christian body condemns attack on priests and nuns, urges NHRC to take action against Sangh Parivar

New Delhi – In a recent move, the Global Council of Indian Christians has urged the National Human Rights Commission to direct the UPA government to take strong action against the Bajrang Dal and other Sangh outfits for inciting people at Hubli and Udupi to attack Christian priests and nuns.

Pointing out that three priests were arrested and paraded as hard core criminals by Hubli Police and 400 New life church worshippers were attacked in Udupi, the GCIC demanded a CBI inquiry to identify the perpetrators of crimes against Christians on the basis of 'Adharmic' clarion call given by the Sangh Parivar.

The GCIC also urged President A P J Abdul Kalam to quiz the Central and state governments about the reported attempts of the Sangh Parivar to create communal tension and scare away the investors in the state of Karnataka and to divert attention from the 'misdeeds' in Gujarat and other ''sangh parivar friendly states.' ''We appeal to the National Commission for Minorities to take suo motu action against the attacks in Udupi and Hubli,' GCIC Convenor Sajan George said in a press release.

Condemning the Hubli District administration for arresting and exhibiting pastor Martin Arun, Joseph and Edward as criminals for exercising their rights as citizens guaranteed in the Constitution of India, Mr George alleged that perperators involved in the attack were treated like ''gods in the police station and their dictats run coastal Karnataka, Hubli and Mysore.'' ''We appeal to the Sangh Parivar to leave the Christians alone and to stop spreading the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction against the priests and nuns involved in building bridges of love and brotherhood in every nook and corner of India.'' He said that in the ''dark and serious'' times like these, the country's political leadership must affirm its commitment to building societies and institutions that aspire to greatness of humanity.

The GCIC also urged the state government to protect the Christian community, which was facing the wrath of the Sangh Parivar especially in Hubli, Udupi, Anaekal and Mysore and punish the perpetrators of crimes against Christian minority.