Karnataka human rights panel “helpless” on violence

Karnataka Human Rights Commission (KHRC) chairman S.R Nayak pleaded helplessness and blamed the inadequacy of staffs, when Christian Rights activists questioned its lack of involvement in controlling rioters attacking Christians in the state.

In his appearance at a discussion on “Human rights violations and the role of the human rights Commission and Karnataka State Minority Commission,” organised by the Karnataka Christian Social Welfare Association (KCSWA) here on Monday, Mr. Nayak said: “I am not authorised to take any action as I only head a commission.” When questioned further, Mr. Nayak said he had not received any complaints from Christian institutions and that he “cannot take suo motu action.”

The meeting also attended by H.T Sangliana, a Christian MP and former police commissioner of Bangalore, condemned the violence in the southern state, on churches, nuns and prayer halls.

Mr. Sangliana said he had written to the government last month cautioning it about such attacks, but no action had been taken.

Karnataka Home Minister V.S. Acharya “has been denying the involvement of the Sangh Parivar. He is not fit to be the Home Minister,” he said. “The Sangh Parivar has an agenda, which is to prevent people from converting to Christianity. This goes against
the United Nations Charter on human rights which says that everyone has the right to change their religion if he or she so wishes.”

The Sangh Parivar is focussing its accusations on a single point, which is conversion, said F.T.R. Colaso, former Director–General of Police. “What gives anyone the right to destroy homes and churches? They are the criminals, not us. As a former DGP, I feel ashamed of the police for their inaction in curbing these unlawful acts,” quoted The Hindu, a national daily.

Hindu–Christian tension began to mount in the state after suspected Bajrang Dal activists attacked more than 20 churches and prayer halls in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts.

The Bishop of Mangalore, Aloysius Paul D'Souza has issued a statement saying that he felt police should not be entering churches.

Father D'Souza has come forward and asked Christians to call off the protest. He says he doesn't want more trouble though he has demanded the release of the arrested Christians.

"This morning I sent people to different places where protests were happening and I have asked them to withdraw the protest. I have asked for peace," he said.

"The people are shocked at the present happenings. The church was attacked and the statue of Jesus was broken and also some of the holy sacrament left out for worship was attacked, we have asked the people to remain calm" says spokesperson, Mangalore diocese, Onil D'Souza.

He said that the Christians in Karnataka should not be targeted for what happened in Kandhamal in Orissa.

Meanwhile, the central government has sought a report from the state on the violence. It asked the Karnataka government to tighten the security within the state, to help ease tension.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta spoke to the state chief secretary on Monday in an effort to take stoke of the situation. A Ministry spokesman told media a detailed report has been sought from the state government on the matter.