Security of minorities must be priority before elections, says Christian council

Safety and security of minorities must be the top priority of all political parties in the coming elections, said All India Christian Council (aicc), an ecumenical alliance consisting of hundreds of Christian groups, denominations and mission agencies.

At a press conference on Monday, aicc secretary general John Dayal, said there is a need to "reassure minorities...that India continues to be the secular country envisaged by its founding fathers and guaranteed by the Constitution."

Denouncing the rising anti-Christian violence in India, Dayal stressed on the urgency of security, adding that at least 14 states especially Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh saw violence during 2007-2008.

"Even today, over 6,000 Christians in Orissa are forced to live in refugee camps because of threats to their life and religion by the Sangh Pariwar workers," Dayal said.

"At its height in August-October 2008, over 50,000 persons were displaced and forced to run to the jungles as gangs burnt over 4,000 houses in 300 villages in the Kandhamal district of Orissa. Hundreds of churches were destroyed. Many girls and women were molested and raped, including a Catholic nun."

Dayal, who is also a member of the National Integration Council, said "Christmas could be celebrated in Orissa only after over 6,000 Central Reserve Police personnel were posted to the state."

The Christian council additionally urged all political parties to take up the demands of Dalit Christians who have been deprived of their Schedule Caste status.

It asked Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati to provide assistance in procuring land for opening schools, especially English language schools for Dalit children.

Christians and Dalits are "being hindered by official apathy and inaction," the organization alleged.

The council finally reiterated on its earlier demand for "adequate representation of Christians in various organisations, commissions and organs set up by it in various areas."