Sonia Gandhi voices concern over attacks on Christians

India's most influential politician and President of the Indian National Congress, Sonia Gandhi, came down heavily against attacks on Christians in Orissa and Karnataka, stating that it reflected the "intolerant attitude" of the Hindutva forces.

"While we cannot compromise on terrorism, we cannot tar a whole community as terrorists," she said in her 'Letter to Congresspersons' in the latest issue of party mouthpiece 'Congress Sandesh'.

Denunciating the baneful character of the communal forces, she said, "Fringe groups who believe in violence and terror, irrespective of the ideologies that they express, whether of naxalism, regional chauvinists or religious fundamentalists, all have one thing in common."

"They have no respect for the centrist, constitutional politics of our country and are not willing to accept the laws of the state," she charged.

She urged her party leaders to counter these forces that spread divisive propaganda and asked them to hold peace and communal harmony rallies, instilling confidence in minorities.

"The Congress party firmly believes in countering all such divisive propaganda that seeks to spread hatred amongst the communities and destroy the secular and democratic fabric of the country," she said.

Last month, Archbishop of Delhi Vincent Concessao, accused Gandhi of not doing enough to help Christians. Gandhi may be reluctant because "Hindu bodies have been leveling an allegation against her that because she is a Christian she is in favor of Christians," he said.