Protest in Delhi over atrocities against Christians

Christians of Delhi and NCR participated in a seven–day round–the–clock sit–in at the Jantar Mantar here to demand the Government to take adequate steps to protect the people of the Christian community in the country.

The peaceful protest rally was addressed by several Christian leaders as well as eminent Hindus and Muslims who condemned the persecution of Christians and urged for peace and co–operation.

Many of the agitators were holding banners that read, “Prosecute vandalists and communal elements” and “Violence against Christians is violation of human rights”.

"The key demand of the protest will be to pressurise the Indian Government to immediately curve the violence and ensure the safety of Christians," Madhu Chandra, a Delhi based human rights activist and spokesperson of North East Support Centre said.

"We also want to bring Hindutva forces – VHP, RSS and Bajrang Dal, who are responsible for the violence on Christians in Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and now spreading to other parts of India, under the law," he added.

Exalting Christians for their immense contributions in the field of education, Pushpinder Singh, chairman of Delhi Minorities Commission said, "None can match with the pace of Christians in this country. Their contributions are huge and have been very evident. Such peace loving people should be protected by the Government against all atrocities."

Rev. Howell, the General Secretary of Evangelical Fellowship of India said, "Even after all these attacks and persecutions, we will not retaliate with violence, rather we will follow the teachings of Christ, and live in Love and forgiveness."

Father Dominic Emmanuel, spokesperson of CBCI rued that violence has spread to five states – Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi.

“When our brothers are suffering in Orissa and other parts of this nation, we can’t sit idle watching the police and government machineries doing nothing. Although our voice is not heard, we believe and trust that Christians will receive equal justice and protection by the Indian government,” he said.

“Such incidents against religious minorities, be it Christians, Muslims or Sikhs, are a threat to the secular image of India. A memorandum had already been submitted to the prime minister to put an end to all this violence and we will submit another one with this regard,” Emanuel added.

Shankaracharya Swami Omkaranand Ji Maharaj of Prayag Peetha Ishwar urged Hindu nationalists to stop attacking minorities and ponder if God wished them to take the path of violence against “our own brothers and sisters in India.”

"Anybody who is of God will never use violent methods but rather would be tools of peace and love. I am standing for no religion, but I am standing for the cause of humanity and for its freedom from such attacks," he said.

Last week, Christian leaders at a press conference objected to L K Advani's call for debate on conversion and said, they are ready if the Prime Ministerial candidate accepts a debate on freedom of faith and the progress of Indian democracy and its government.

"We, the Christian community, are ready for a debate on conversion, but not now. Let there be a peaceful atmosphere. And the debate should be in the Parliament. There are existing statutory forums in the country and it should be discussed there," John Dayal, secretary–general of All India Christian Council told Christian Today at the press gathering in Church of North India headquarters.

According to estimates from the All India Christian Council, 37 Christians have been killed in the state of Orissa alone, including 2 Protestant pastors; more than 4,000 homes belonging to Christians have been burned; and more than 50,000 faithful have been forced to flee. Of these, only 14,000 are believed to be in refugee camps provided by the government. Tens of thousands are hiding in the forest.

The violence apart from Orissa has also spread to other states, including the peaceful state of Karnataka, where over 20 prayer halls were vandalised by members of Hindu fanatic groups.