Acts of Terror Against Christians in India
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KS
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I said awkward/ridiculous not in that sense, but in the manner in which Christians are persecuted with constitutional sanction in the land of pure.
Dance
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KS
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Blasphemy Law for starters ? Okay I admit. it wasn't specifically designed for christians..but for a whole bunch of minorities.
Anyway discuss all you want..as I said Pakistanis discussing about persecution of others, especially in India, only looks like a sick joke to me.
Dance
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I am an Indian Christian and I know what is true and what is not.You are picking up a few incidents here and there showing a gloomy picture.Sorry buddy your efforts failed. Maybe you have seen some testimonies of other minorities on the same thread and understood the message.I feel for the minorities in Pakistan living under the wretched blasphemy law.
Omar1984
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Karnataka Most Dangerous State in India for Christians
SUNDAY, 15 JANUARY 2012 15:03 VISHAL ARORA
Southern state remains most volatile place for third straight year.
NEW DELHI, January 13 (Compass Direct News) – Attacks on Christians accelerated over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in the south Indian state of Karnataka, which was identified as the most unsafe place for the religious minority for the third consecutive year in 2011.
With 49 cases of violence and hostility against Christians in 2011, Karnataka remained the state with the highest incidence of persecution, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s annual report, “Battered and Bruised…”·
The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), which is based in Karnataka’s capital of Bengaluru and initially reported most of the incidents, also documented at least six anti-Christian attacks between Christmas Eve 2011 and New Year’s Day.·
Photo of a detail of a painting symbolic of assaults on Christians that was displayed at an exhibition in New Delhi last year Credit to Compass Direct News
On the evening of Jan. 1, about 20 men disrupted the New Year’s Day worship service of the Blessing Youth Mission Church at the house of a believer in Hunnur village, in Jamkhandi division of Bagalkot district. Suspected Hindu extremists from the Bajrang Dal, the men manhandled pastor Siddu Seemanth Gunike, accusing him of forcibly and fraudulently converting Hindus. Local police intervened and rescued the pastor and other Christians.·
On New Year’s Eve, more than 10 men trespassed onto the premises of the Karnataka Calvary Fellowship Church, in the Ganeshgudi area in Joida division of North Canara district, and disrupted a service of thanksgiving. Believed to be Hindu nationalists, the men forced the church to stop the service. Police arrived but only to summon the pastor, identified as P.R. Jose, to the police station the following morning. After GCIC’s intervention, however, a senior police official assured the Christians of security.
On the evening of Dec. 28, 2011, a group of men from the nationalist Hindu Sriram Sene disrupted the prayer meeting of the Divyadarsana Ministry Church at the home of a Christian, Bima Naik, in SS Layout in Davanagere city, the headquarters of the central Davanagere district. Alleging the meeting was to convert Hindus, the men tried to manhandle the Christians. Police arrived, but instead of detaining the intruders took pastor Raju Doddamani, Naik and three other Christians to the police station for interrogation. They were released late at night.·
The same day, unidentified persons burned a Christmas tree and a crib that were part of Christmas celebrations by local Catholics in Maripalla area in Bantwal division of the Dakshina Kannada district. Police arrested two men, but their identities were not disclosed.·
Police reportedly said the decorations were burned over suspicion of “conversions.” Evangelizing and conversion are legal in India.·
Also on Dec. 28, suspected Hindu nationalists ransacked and broke windows of the Hebron Assembly Church in the Haleangadi area of Mangalore division in Dakshina Kannada district. The attackers also destroyed household items in the house of the pastor, identified only as Prasanna. Police registered a case against the attackers, but at press time no one was reported to have been arrested.
On the evening of Dec. 25, about 20 people beat Christians with stones and wooden clubs as they celebrated Christmas at a house in the Maindguri area, near Surathkal, a few miles from the city of Mangalore, in Dakshina Kannada district. The attackers, allegedly from a local extremist Hindu Jagran Vedike (Hindu Revival Forum), attacked the Christians, including women and children, indiscriminately.·
A 27-year-old man identified only as Joyson fractured his leg; a pastor’s wife identified as Lata, sustained chest injuries; a 29-year-old woman identified as Roshini and another woman identified as Annamma received head injuries; and a 23-year-old man identified only as Deepak broke his nasal bridge in the attack. A local Christian told Compass by phone that police arrested five of the attackers, but that they had been released on bail.·
The attacks on Christians in Karnataka are “shameful” and “a blot on the secular and democratic India,” GCIC President Sajan K. George said. The local government and authorities were “complicit in the persecution against Christians,” he added.·
Anti-Christian attacks increased in the state after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to sole power in May 2008. At least 28 attacks were reported in less than two months in August and September of that year. In 2009, Karnataka witnessed at least 48 attacks, and the number grew to 56 in 2010, according to the EFI.
In its 2010 report of Christian persecution in India, the EFI had warned about increasing attacks on Christians in Karnataka, remarking that “although in 2007 and 2008 two major incidents of violence occurred in eastern Orissa state’s Kandhamal district and hit headlines in the national as well as international media, little efforts have been taken by authorities in India to tackle the root causes of communal tensions, namely divisive propaganda and activities by powerful right-wing Hindu groups, who do not represent the tolerant Hindu community.”·
The violence in Kandhamal district during Christmas week of 2007 killed at least four Christians and burned 730 houses and 95 churches, according to the All India Christian Council (AICC). These attacks were preceded by around 200 incidents of anti-Christian attacks in other parts of the country.·
Violence re-erupted in Kandhamal district in August 2008, killing more than 100 people and resulting in the incineration of 4,640 houses, 252 churches and 13 educational institutions, according to the AICC.·
Christians account for about 2.3 percent of India’s population, which is more than 1 billion.·
Karnataka Most Dangerous State in India for Christians | Terrorism Right Side News
SUNDAY, 15 JANUARY 2012 15:03 VISHAL ARORA
Southern state remains most volatile place for third straight year.
NEW DELHI, January 13 (Compass Direct News) – Attacks on Christians accelerated over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in the south Indian state of Karnataka, which was identified as the most unsafe place for the religious minority for the third consecutive year in 2011.
With 49 cases of violence and hostility against Christians in 2011, Karnataka remained the state with the highest incidence of persecution, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s annual report, “Battered and Bruised…”·
The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), which is based in Karnataka’s capital of Bengaluru and initially reported most of the incidents, also documented at least six anti-Christian attacks between Christmas Eve 2011 and New Year’s Day.·
Photo of a detail of a painting symbolic of assaults on Christians that was displayed at an exhibition in New Delhi last year Credit to Compass Direct News
On the evening of Jan. 1, about 20 men disrupted the New Year’s Day worship service of the Blessing Youth Mission Church at the house of a believer in Hunnur village, in Jamkhandi division of Bagalkot district. Suspected Hindu extremists from the Bajrang Dal, the men manhandled pastor Siddu Seemanth Gunike, accusing him of forcibly and fraudulently converting Hindus. Local police intervened and rescued the pastor and other Christians.·
On New Year’s Eve, more than 10 men trespassed onto the premises of the Karnataka Calvary Fellowship Church, in the Ganeshgudi area in Joida division of North Canara district, and disrupted a service of thanksgiving. Believed to be Hindu nationalists, the men forced the church to stop the service. Police arrived but only to summon the pastor, identified as P.R. Jose, to the police station the following morning. After GCIC’s intervention, however, a senior police official assured the Christians of security.
On the evening of Dec. 28, 2011, a group of men from the nationalist Hindu Sriram Sene disrupted the prayer meeting of the Divyadarsana Ministry Church at the home of a Christian, Bima Naik, in SS Layout in Davanagere city, the headquarters of the central Davanagere district. Alleging the meeting was to convert Hindus, the men tried to manhandle the Christians. Police arrived, but instead of detaining the intruders took pastor Raju Doddamani, Naik and three other Christians to the police station for interrogation. They were released late at night.·
The same day, unidentified persons burned a Christmas tree and a crib that were part of Christmas celebrations by local Catholics in Maripalla area in Bantwal division of the Dakshina Kannada district. Police arrested two men, but their identities were not disclosed.·
Police reportedly said the decorations were burned over suspicion of “conversions.” Evangelizing and conversion are legal in India.·
Also on Dec. 28, suspected Hindu nationalists ransacked and broke windows of the Hebron Assembly Church in the Haleangadi area of Mangalore division in Dakshina Kannada district. The attackers also destroyed household items in the house of the pastor, identified only as Prasanna. Police registered a case against the attackers, but at press time no one was reported to have been arrested.
On the evening of Dec. 25, about 20 people beat Christians with stones and wooden clubs as they celebrated Christmas at a house in the Maindguri area, near Surathkal, a few miles from the city of Mangalore, in Dakshina Kannada district. The attackers, allegedly from a local extremist Hindu Jagran Vedike (Hindu Revival Forum), attacked the Christians, including women and children, indiscriminately.·
A 27-year-old man identified only as Joyson fractured his leg; a pastor’s wife identified as Lata, sustained chest injuries; a 29-year-old woman identified as Roshini and another woman identified as Annamma received head injuries; and a 23-year-old man identified only as Deepak broke his nasal bridge in the attack. A local Christian told Compass by phone that police arrested five of the attackers, but that they had been released on bail.·
The attacks on Christians in Karnataka are “shameful” and “a blot on the secular and democratic India,” GCIC President Sajan K. George said. The local government and authorities were “complicit in the persecution against Christians,” he added.·
Anti-Christian attacks increased in the state after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to sole power in May 2008. At least 28 attacks were reported in less than two months in August and September of that year. In 2009, Karnataka witnessed at least 48 attacks, and the number grew to 56 in 2010, according to the EFI.
In its 2010 report of Christian persecution in India, the EFI had warned about increasing attacks on Christians in Karnataka, remarking that “although in 2007 and 2008 two major incidents of violence occurred in eastern Orissa state’s Kandhamal district and hit headlines in the national as well as international media, little efforts have been taken by authorities in India to tackle the root causes of communal tensions, namely divisive propaganda and activities by powerful right-wing Hindu groups, who do not represent the tolerant Hindu community.”·
The violence in Kandhamal district during Christmas week of 2007 killed at least four Christians and burned 730 houses and 95 churches, according to the All India Christian Council (AICC). These attacks were preceded by around 200 incidents of anti-Christian attacks in other parts of the country.·
Violence re-erupted in Kandhamal district in August 2008, killing more than 100 people and resulting in the incineration of 4,640 houses, 252 churches and 13 educational institutions, according to the AICC.·
Christians account for about 2.3 percent of India’s population, which is more than 1 billion.·
Karnataka Most Dangerous State in India for Christians | Terrorism Right Side News
Omar1984
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India: Christian children especially vulnerable to attacks by Hindus
Persecution of Christians by Hindu radicals is expected to grow in 2012.
A new report issued in India noted that 2,141 Christians there suffered aggression, attacks and persecution in 2011, not counting their families, relatives and friends, and indirect victims. It is expected that the persecution by Hindu extremist groups, will grow in 2012. This is the scenario outlined by the new 2011 Report on Persecution in India, published today by the "Catholic-Secular Forum" (CSF), an ecumenical organization founded by Indian Catholics, supported by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay. The Report paints a gloomy picture in which the radical Hindu anti-Christian violence is defined as "a virus that infects society". Persecution in fact "has become more widespread, and covers almost all the states in the country".
A minimum of 1,000 Christian families have been affected by these attacks: the Report denounces "a premeditated campaign" against weak targets and, given the warnings already received, an increase is expected in 2012. The text highlights 250 of the most serious crimes and raises important issues about freedom of faith, abuse of human rights and constitutional rights. According to the CSF, the episodes are only counted as uncovered and reported by the media: if one adds those not registered the total number could triple.
The Report classifies Karnataka as a "rogue state" and places at the top of the list for episodes of persecution. In Karnataka, in southern India, there were over 1,000 attacks on Christians in 2011, "an average of 3-5 attacks per day". Other states mentioned are Orissa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The main victims are children and women. Children, "unarmed observers of crimes", suffer effects such as deprivation of basic education, malnutrition, life in refugee camps, fear and financial insecurity, abuse and child labor. Also vulnerable women: nuns, sisters, wives or daughters of pastors or community leaders are targeted and undergo rapes and sexual harassment.
Judge Michael F. Saldanha, commenting on the Report, said that "the police, the bureaucracy and the judiciary give the impression that they have abdicated their duty". He asked that the Indian nation and the world to become engaged with the situation of Christians in his country.
According to Professor. Ram Puniyani, a scholar of Hindu extremist groups, "affiliates of Hindutva (the ideology of Hinduism, ed) have now clearly shifted their attention to Christians, especially tribal and Adivasi communities, as they are easy targets, with little fear of retaliation". According to Hindu extremist groups, the Christian missionaries converted by force, fraud and seduction, therefore "are a threat to Hinduism". This theory, said Professor Puniyani, is belied by the facts, since the percentage of Christians in India has declined, they were 2.60% of the population in 1972, 2.44% in 1981, 2.30% in 2001.
India: Christian children especially vulnerable to attacks by Hindus | EnerPub - Energy Publisher
Persecution of Christians by Hindu radicals is expected to grow in 2012.
A new report issued in India noted that 2,141 Christians there suffered aggression, attacks and persecution in 2011, not counting their families, relatives and friends, and indirect victims. It is expected that the persecution by Hindu extremist groups, will grow in 2012. This is the scenario outlined by the new 2011 Report on Persecution in India, published today by the "Catholic-Secular Forum" (CSF), an ecumenical organization founded by Indian Catholics, supported by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay. The Report paints a gloomy picture in which the radical Hindu anti-Christian violence is defined as "a virus that infects society". Persecution in fact "has become more widespread, and covers almost all the states in the country".
A minimum of 1,000 Christian families have been affected by these attacks: the Report denounces "a premeditated campaign" against weak targets and, given the warnings already received, an increase is expected in 2012. The text highlights 250 of the most serious crimes and raises important issues about freedom of faith, abuse of human rights and constitutional rights. According to the CSF, the episodes are only counted as uncovered and reported by the media: if one adds those not registered the total number could triple.
The Report classifies Karnataka as a "rogue state" and places at the top of the list for episodes of persecution. In Karnataka, in southern India, there were over 1,000 attacks on Christians in 2011, "an average of 3-5 attacks per day". Other states mentioned are Orissa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The main victims are children and women. Children, "unarmed observers of crimes", suffer effects such as deprivation of basic education, malnutrition, life in refugee camps, fear and financial insecurity, abuse and child labor. Also vulnerable women: nuns, sisters, wives or daughters of pastors or community leaders are targeted and undergo rapes and sexual harassment.
Judge Michael F. Saldanha, commenting on the Report, said that "the police, the bureaucracy and the judiciary give the impression that they have abdicated their duty". He asked that the Indian nation and the world to become engaged with the situation of Christians in his country.
According to Professor. Ram Puniyani, a scholar of Hindu extremist groups, "affiliates of Hindutva (the ideology of Hinduism, ed) have now clearly shifted their attention to Christians, especially tribal and Adivasi communities, as they are easy targets, with little fear of retaliation". According to Hindu extremist groups, the Christian missionaries converted by force, fraud and seduction, therefore "are a threat to Hinduism". This theory, said Professor Puniyani, is belied by the facts, since the percentage of Christians in India has declined, they were 2.60% of the population in 1972, 2.44% in 1981, 2.30% in 2001.
India: Christian children especially vulnerable to attacks by Hindus | EnerPub - Energy Publisher
Omar1984
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Violence on minorities up by 90 pc in K’taka: Saldanha
Mumbai, Jan 11, DHNS
Current situation in the State alarming, says former HC judge
Former judge in the Bombay and Karnataka high courts, Justice Michael Saldanha has described Karnataka with having the worst communal-persecution record and a state that encourages terror on micro-minorities.
Addressing a press meet organised jointly by All India Secular Forum and Catholic-Christian Secular Forum(CSF) the retired judge said that while across the country there has been a marked decrease in communal-related violence between 65 per cent to 75 per cent, “In Karnataka the violence targeting minorities jumped up by 90 per cent.”
He warned that the current scenario “is so alarming that even a minor flash point in near future may turn the state into a communal inferno... if steps to rein in parochial forces are not taken in time.”
The retired judge who grew up in Mangalore said, “This was never the case during my schooling and college days. All communities used to live harmoniously. But now something is wrong and the partisan-nature of the state machinery can be seen clearly.”
Justice Saldanha who had recently carried out an in-depth study of communal-related violence, said: “I found that Catholic community is the worst affected by this kind of violence. False cases are registered against people from this community. All this shows that apart from the saffronisation of the police force...what has been unleashed in this once-a-peaceful region is state-sponsored terror.” Citing examples of violence meted out to people belonging to Catholic community, he said no action was taken against parochial organisations espousing Hindutva ideology through hate-speeches instigating majority community to carry out violent attacks on micro-minorities.
Elaborating the former judge’s point, CSF general secretary Joseph Dias said that in Karnataka, “it has been found that micro-communities are worst affected in Dakshin Karnataka, Mysore and Mangalore.”
Dias said that going by the press reports also, “2011 has been the worst year for Indian Christians. Sheer number of attacks clearly point to the fact that the persecution has become more widespread.
“Moreover, even though there has been no major problem like Kandhamal in Orissa, one just has to see the fear glinting in the eyes of minority communities residing in interiors.”
Dias also claimed that the attacks on Christians have increased so much that the number of such incidents have over taken attacks on Muslims.
Violence on minorities up by 90 pc in K’taka: Saldanha
Mumbai, Jan 11, DHNS
Current situation in the State alarming, says former HC judge
Former judge in the Bombay and Karnataka high courts, Justice Michael Saldanha has described Karnataka with having the worst communal-persecution record and a state that encourages terror on micro-minorities.
Addressing a press meet organised jointly by All India Secular Forum and Catholic-Christian Secular Forum(CSF) the retired judge said that while across the country there has been a marked decrease in communal-related violence between 65 per cent to 75 per cent, “In Karnataka the violence targeting minorities jumped up by 90 per cent.”
He warned that the current scenario “is so alarming that even a minor flash point in near future may turn the state into a communal inferno... if steps to rein in parochial forces are not taken in time.”
The retired judge who grew up in Mangalore said, “This was never the case during my schooling and college days. All communities used to live harmoniously. But now something is wrong and the partisan-nature of the state machinery can be seen clearly.”
Justice Saldanha who had recently carried out an in-depth study of communal-related violence, said: “I found that Catholic community is the worst affected by this kind of violence. False cases are registered against people from this community. All this shows that apart from the saffronisation of the police force...what has been unleashed in this once-a-peaceful region is state-sponsored terror.” Citing examples of violence meted out to people belonging to Catholic community, he said no action was taken against parochial organisations espousing Hindutva ideology through hate-speeches instigating majority community to carry out violent attacks on micro-minorities.
Elaborating the former judge’s point, CSF general secretary Joseph Dias said that in Karnataka, “it has been found that micro-communities are worst affected in Dakshin Karnataka, Mysore and Mangalore.”
Dias said that going by the press reports also, “2011 has been the worst year for Indian Christians. Sheer number of attacks clearly point to the fact that the persecution has become more widespread.
“Moreover, even though there has been no major problem like Kandhamal in Orissa, one just has to see the fear glinting in the eyes of minority communities residing in interiors.”
Dias also claimed that the attacks on Christians have increased so much that the number of such incidents have over taken attacks on Muslims.
Violence on minorities up by 90 pc in K’taka: Saldanha
Omar1984
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India: Impunity for Hindus who murder Christians
Authorities in India have released a suspect in the murder of a Christian human rights activist. No clues on murderers.
Christians in India remain in shock over continued outrages by Hindus and Muslims who apparently can persecute and murder Christians with impunity.
The Catholic community in India, for example, points out for two recent murders of Rabindra Parichha in Orissa and and Sister Valsa John in Jharkhand, the investigations are still at full stop. Their concern is that the files on the cases may now be lost or merely ignored.
Investigation into the killing of Rabindra Parichha, a former Catholic catechist and human rights activist in Orissa, have not produced any results, Speaking to Fides news service, Brother K.J. Markos, a Catholic missionary and lawyer working in Kandhamal, reported that 34 days after Parichha's death, the main suspect was released because he promised to cooperate with the investigation. According to Parichha's relatives, so far the investigation has gone nowhere. "I contacted three of Parichha's colleagues. They know nothing about the case", Brother Markos said. "It is sad to see that the police has not yet considered the matter and has no idea who the culprits are. Even family members and colleagues seem to have left the matter to its fate, perhaps out of fear. I am going to follow the case. If the police do not respond, then we could lodge a formal complaint to the Court", he added. Even because, brother Markos remarks, "the delay is likely to destroy any evidence".
Parichha was a legal activist with the Evangelical Fellowship of India, which brings together many evangelical churches, and was working for the legal assistance of the victims of the anti-Christian massacres carried out in 2008 in Kandhamal. Kandhamal was one of the areas struck by anti-Christian violence on Christmas 2008.
Also, an investigation into the murder of Sister Valsa John has proved fruitless. She was a member of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary who was killed at her home in of Pakur on November 15, 2001. Immediately after the murder, the police had arrested seven suspects, claiming that the murder could be the work of "suspected Maoists, together with the inhabitants of the village" where the nun lived.
But nothing concrete has emerged and while critics claim that there is no clear evidence linking the accused Maoists to the murder. Local sources opine that law enforcement should look to other possible culprits: the mining companies that the nun had hindered, in her work with India's tribal peoples.
Some days ago the nuns, priests, laity and Christian faithful met in Ranchi to pay homage to the woman who "fought the corrupt system with a Bible and the Indian Constitution". They noted that these were the very few objects in the nun's possession at the time of her death. According to Sr.Joel, who had served with Sister Valsa, Christians have formed a Committee to meet with the civil authorities in Jharkhand and demand an effective investigation.
India: Impunity for Hindus who murder Christians | EnerPub - Energy Publisher
Authorities in India have released a suspect in the murder of a Christian human rights activist. No clues on murderers.
Christians in India remain in shock over continued outrages by Hindus and Muslims who apparently can persecute and murder Christians with impunity.
The Catholic community in India, for example, points out for two recent murders of Rabindra Parichha in Orissa and and Sister Valsa John in Jharkhand, the investigations are still at full stop. Their concern is that the files on the cases may now be lost or merely ignored.
Investigation into the killing of Rabindra Parichha, a former Catholic catechist and human rights activist in Orissa, have not produced any results, Speaking to Fides news service, Brother K.J. Markos, a Catholic missionary and lawyer working in Kandhamal, reported that 34 days after Parichha's death, the main suspect was released because he promised to cooperate with the investigation. According to Parichha's relatives, so far the investigation has gone nowhere. "I contacted three of Parichha's colleagues. They know nothing about the case", Brother Markos said. "It is sad to see that the police has not yet considered the matter and has no idea who the culprits are. Even family members and colleagues seem to have left the matter to its fate, perhaps out of fear. I am going to follow the case. If the police do not respond, then we could lodge a formal complaint to the Court", he added. Even because, brother Markos remarks, "the delay is likely to destroy any evidence".
Parichha was a legal activist with the Evangelical Fellowship of India, which brings together many evangelical churches, and was working for the legal assistance of the victims of the anti-Christian massacres carried out in 2008 in Kandhamal. Kandhamal was one of the areas struck by anti-Christian violence on Christmas 2008.
Also, an investigation into the murder of Sister Valsa John has proved fruitless. She was a member of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary who was killed at her home in of Pakur on November 15, 2001. Immediately after the murder, the police had arrested seven suspects, claiming that the murder could be the work of "suspected Maoists, together with the inhabitants of the village" where the nun lived.
But nothing concrete has emerged and while critics claim that there is no clear evidence linking the accused Maoists to the murder. Local sources opine that law enforcement should look to other possible culprits: the mining companies that the nun had hindered, in her work with India's tribal peoples.
Some days ago the nuns, priests, laity and Christian faithful met in Ranchi to pay homage to the woman who "fought the corrupt system with a Bible and the Indian Constitution". They noted that these were the very few objects in the nun's possession at the time of her death. According to Sr.Joel, who had served with Sister Valsa, Christians have formed a Committee to meet with the civil authorities in Jharkhand and demand an effective investigation.
India: Impunity for Hindus who murder Christians | EnerPub - Energy Publisher
Omar1984
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Christians allege religious feelings hurt by TV show
NAGPUR: Hundreds of members of the Christian community held a protest at a local church on Sunday against statements regarding their religion made on a national Hindi news channel. The protest was organized at the 1840 Church ground, where members resolved to meet the collector with their complaint.
Rev Satish Yangad said, "A few days ago a Hindi news channel conducted a panel discussion during which one of the panelists said the Bible is a myth and the existence of Virgin Mary has no historical evidence. This hurt our sentiments but we will only protest peacefully."
A 50-feet-long banner has been signed by thousands of community members registering their complaint. Rev Prakash Timothy said, "This banner will be given to the district collector in the coming week and we will register our complaint, and ask him to contact authorities so that the media also filters out information which can hurt religious sentiments."
The community members have decided against registering a police complaint for the moment. Prashant Sathianathan, a lawyer and one of the protesters, said, "Everyone has his own belief system and insulting the religious sentiments of any religion is an offence under the Indian Penal Code. We haven't filed any FIR against the panellist or the TV channel yet, but if this continues then we might have to do so. We believe the media has a pivotal role in society and they must respect the sentiments of people."
Raj Siddiqui, member, National Commission for Minority Education, was one of the invited guests at the protest venue and said both sides should be heard out. "The person who has made such statements should also be called and his version must be heard. This is a democratic way of doing things. I have respect for the Christian community since it has contributed greatly to the development of the nation. We must all try to solve differences if we are to move ahead in the global arena," said Siddiqui.
Christians allege religious feelings hurt by TV show - Times Of India
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Christian Persecution on the Rise in India; Grim Outlook for 2012
Watchdog groups are sounding the alarm on increasing acts of violence against Christians in India at the hands of the country's Hindu community.
India is one of the regions closely monitored by human rights groups, due to many cases of religious persecution taking place in its recent history. The biggest act of violence against Christians took place in 2008, in a remote eastern region of India, during an event referred to as the "Orissa massacre," in which an estimated 100 Christians were killed and some 5,600 displaced by a mob of Hindu extremists.
Local observers see a bleak outlook for 2012, given the mood in the country, as signs of renewed enmity become more and more apparent.
On Dec.18, 2011, some 2,500 protesters rallying under the banner of the Hindu nationalist movement expressed hostile attitude towards the idea of Christians celebrating Christmas, reported Mission Network News.
Violence did reportedly breakout in Karnataka, a state near Orissa, where a group of 15 Christians were attacked during Christmas celebrations at a private house by a mob of around 300 members of a Hindu nationalist organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Christians were brutalized, windows smashed and furniture damaged, according to Mission Network News (MNN).
Dave Stravers of a Michigan-based mission to India told the publication that police arrested all the Christians after they were beaten. They were then thrown in jail, he reportedly said, for a week while no action was taken against the attackers.
"This illustrates the justice problem," Stravers told MNN. Someone comes to beat you up, and then the police come and arrest you and accuse you of inciting that other person to violence!
According to statistics gathered by Christians living in Orissa, local police only registered 827 cases of more than 3,500 reports of violence that took place during the "Orissa massacre." The cases that went to court that ended with a sentence were only 68, and 412 offenders received a minimum punishment. In addition, 1,009 people were acquitted, and 304 cases are still reportedly awaiting trial.
"Justice is still a huge problem for some 56,000 Christians for whom life has changed dramatically since August 2008," John Dayal, All India Christian Council's (AICC) Executive Secretary, said in a recent statement, as quoted by Spero News . "Aggressors asked them to convert to Hinduism and burn a Bible as a sign. They did not do it and chose to escape. In 400 villages the Christian presence was completely cancelled, more than 5,600 homes and about 295 churches were burned, hundreds of deaths, some women, including at least one nun, were raped."
Leading up to Christmas, more threats of attacks were made in this region, and religious leaders across the globe called for prayer for the safety of the Christian community in India (among other "dangerous" countries).
On Christmas Day 2011, an angry Hindu mob of 20 persons raided a home where several believers gathered for dinner, including a pastor, Bos News reported. The mob reportedly threatened to "kill the Christians," according to residents.
Hindu militants twice attacked evangelical Christians around the holidays in India's southern state of Karnataka, injuring several believers, including women and children, local Christians told BosNewsLife. Police were reportedly again reluctant to investigate the case, asking injured Christians what motivated them to convert to Christianity and reportedly siding with the attackers, according to witnesses.
In a separate incident on Dec. 28, about 10 suspected Hindu militants allegedly stormed the Hebron Full Gospel Assembly Church in the southwestern town of Haleyangadi, reportedly shouting threats and saying they would "not let the church continue at the place."
All India Christian Council has been pressuring the Indian government since December to pass a bill meant to curb "communal violence which has plagued this country after Independence in 1947, and bring justice to the victims." The proposed legislation is entitled the "Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence" bill, according to the organization's website. The council is also launching a nation-wide advocacy and prayer campaign in favor of the bill, AICC said on Dec. 12.
The proposed bill seeks to secure justice for victims and bring guilty parties to justice. It maintains that minorities are denied justice because of the communal behavior of a section of religious and political extremists, and the apathy or involvement of government administrators. The legislation also aims to curb hate speech and similar actions.
Hindus are an overwhelming majority in India, where Christians are a minority at 2.3 percent. Muslims constitute 13.4 percent of the population, while Sikhs make up 1.9 percent.
Christian Persecution on the Rise in India; Grim Outlook for 2012
NAGPUR: Hundreds of members of the Christian community held a protest at a local church on Sunday against statements regarding their religion made on a national Hindi news channel. The protest was organized at the 1840 Church ground, where members resolved to meet the collector with their complaint.
Rev Satish Yangad said, "A few days ago a Hindi news channel conducted a panel discussion during which one of the panelists said the Bible is a myth and the existence of Virgin Mary has no historical evidence. This hurt our sentiments but we will only protest peacefully."
A 50-feet-long banner has been signed by thousands of community members registering their complaint. Rev Prakash Timothy said, "This banner will be given to the district collector in the coming week and we will register our complaint, and ask him to contact authorities so that the media also filters out information which can hurt religious sentiments."
The community members have decided against registering a police complaint for the moment. Prashant Sathianathan, a lawyer and one of the protesters, said, "Everyone has his own belief system and insulting the religious sentiments of any religion is an offence under the Indian Penal Code. We haven't filed any FIR against the panellist or the TV channel yet, but if this continues then we might have to do so. We believe the media has a pivotal role in society and they must respect the sentiments of people."
Raj Siddiqui, member, National Commission for Minority Education, was one of the invited guests at the protest venue and said both sides should be heard out. "The person who has made such statements should also be called and his version must be heard. This is a democratic way of doing things. I have respect for the Christian community since it has contributed greatly to the development of the nation. We must all try to solve differences if we are to move ahead in the global arena," said Siddiqui.
Christians allege religious feelings hurt by TV show - Times Of India
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Christian Persecution on the Rise in India; Grim Outlook for 2012
Watchdog groups are sounding the alarm on increasing acts of violence against Christians in India at the hands of the country's Hindu community.
India is one of the regions closely monitored by human rights groups, due to many cases of religious persecution taking place in its recent history. The biggest act of violence against Christians took place in 2008, in a remote eastern region of India, during an event referred to as the "Orissa massacre," in which an estimated 100 Christians were killed and some 5,600 displaced by a mob of Hindu extremists.
Local observers see a bleak outlook for 2012, given the mood in the country, as signs of renewed enmity become more and more apparent.
On Dec.18, 2011, some 2,500 protesters rallying under the banner of the Hindu nationalist movement expressed hostile attitude towards the idea of Christians celebrating Christmas, reported Mission Network News.
Violence did reportedly breakout in Karnataka, a state near Orissa, where a group of 15 Christians were attacked during Christmas celebrations at a private house by a mob of around 300 members of a Hindu nationalist organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Christians were brutalized, windows smashed and furniture damaged, according to Mission Network News (MNN).
Dave Stravers of a Michigan-based mission to India told the publication that police arrested all the Christians after they were beaten. They were then thrown in jail, he reportedly said, for a week while no action was taken against the attackers.
"This illustrates the justice problem," Stravers told MNN. Someone comes to beat you up, and then the police come and arrest you and accuse you of inciting that other person to violence!
According to statistics gathered by Christians living in Orissa, local police only registered 827 cases of more than 3,500 reports of violence that took place during the "Orissa massacre." The cases that went to court that ended with a sentence were only 68, and 412 offenders received a minimum punishment. In addition, 1,009 people were acquitted, and 304 cases are still reportedly awaiting trial.
"Justice is still a huge problem for some 56,000 Christians for whom life has changed dramatically since August 2008," John Dayal, All India Christian Council's (AICC) Executive Secretary, said in a recent statement, as quoted by Spero News . "Aggressors asked them to convert to Hinduism and burn a Bible as a sign. They did not do it and chose to escape. In 400 villages the Christian presence was completely cancelled, more than 5,600 homes and about 295 churches were burned, hundreds of deaths, some women, including at least one nun, were raped."
Leading up to Christmas, more threats of attacks were made in this region, and religious leaders across the globe called for prayer for the safety of the Christian community in India (among other "dangerous" countries).
On Christmas Day 2011, an angry Hindu mob of 20 persons raided a home where several believers gathered for dinner, including a pastor, Bos News reported. The mob reportedly threatened to "kill the Christians," according to residents.
Hindu militants twice attacked evangelical Christians around the holidays in India's southern state of Karnataka, injuring several believers, including women and children, local Christians told BosNewsLife. Police were reportedly again reluctant to investigate the case, asking injured Christians what motivated them to convert to Christianity and reportedly siding with the attackers, according to witnesses.
In a separate incident on Dec. 28, about 10 suspected Hindu militants allegedly stormed the Hebron Full Gospel Assembly Church in the southwestern town of Haleyangadi, reportedly shouting threats and saying they would "not let the church continue at the place."
All India Christian Council has been pressuring the Indian government since December to pass a bill meant to curb "communal violence which has plagued this country after Independence in 1947, and bring justice to the victims." The proposed legislation is entitled the "Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence" bill, according to the organization's website. The council is also launching a nation-wide advocacy and prayer campaign in favor of the bill, AICC said on Dec. 12.
The proposed bill seeks to secure justice for victims and bring guilty parties to justice. It maintains that minorities are denied justice because of the communal behavior of a section of religious and political extremists, and the apathy or involvement of government administrators. The legislation also aims to curb hate speech and similar actions.
Hindus are an overwhelming majority in India, where Christians are a minority at 2.3 percent. Muslims constitute 13.4 percent of the population, while Sikhs make up 1.9 percent.
Christian Persecution on the Rise in India; Grim Outlook for 2012
T90TankGuy
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some people here seem determined to show we are being persecuted on our own country . their presumptions based on the fallacy that India is bad.
what does it matter that its far from the truth . some people just need to show others down by making mountains out of molehills to have their "feel good" factor .
what does it matter that its far from the truth . some people just need to show others down by making mountains out of molehills to have their "feel good" factor .
T90TankGuy
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just came across this thread . since pakistani members here are postiong how unsafe its for christians in india wonder what they will say about this.
http://www.defence.pk/forums/curren...s/182092-you-cannot-quote-quran-pakistan.html
âYou cannot quote from the Quranâ – The Express Tribune
LAHORE:
A cleric in Sialkot district disrupted a Saturday mass, abused the pastor and is now threatening to register a blasphemy FIR against him for drawing upon verses from the Quran during his sermon.
Pastor Messiah George* had been invited by Data Zedka village Christians to give a sermon at the local church.
According to Arif Hameed*, a school teacher who arranged the pastor’s visit, Qari Muhammad Fazal* disrupted the mass around 11 pm, abusing the pastor and threatening to kill him. Fazal had objections to the pastor reading Quranic verses during his sermon. “He [Fazal] tried to get through to the pastor but we were able to help him escape,” said Hameed.
Fazal called the police to the church but by the time the police reached the church, the pastor had fled. Police officials were able to “persuade the Qari” to go home after assuring him that action will be taken against the pastor.
The next morning local Christians, said the school teacher, apologised to Fazal who is still insisting that the pastor “confess to his crime”, and publicly apologise for quoting the Quran. “Fazal has warned us that we will be responsible for the consequences,” he said.
Hameed said they had also sent women to the cleric’s wife and mother to apologise. “But Fazal’s adamant that the pastor apologise over the megaphone,” he said. Hameed said that they feared agitation by Muslim residents.
Fazal, when contacted, told The Express Tribune that Pastor George had “tried to justify the Christian point of view by giving Quranic references.” He said his “blood stared boiling” when he heard the pastor quoting from the Quran. “Yes, I abused them. I would have killed the pastor right there and then but I could not arrange for a weapon,” he said.
He said he had given an application to the police, asking that they file a blasphemy FIR against the pastor and the parish.
The police, however, told him that they would ask the pastor to apologise to the cleric at noon on Thursday (today) at the office of the DSP concerned. “In case the pastor does not come,” said Fazal, “I will get the FIR registered.”
He described the police as “followers of the American agenda of protecting the Christians”.
SHO Khalid Dar, however, denied receiving an application from the cleric. He said they were trying to “resolve the matter amicably” with the help of locals.
http://www.defence.pk/forums/curren...s/182092-you-cannot-quote-quran-pakistan.html
âYou cannot quote from the Quranâ – The Express Tribune
LAHORE:
A cleric in Sialkot district disrupted a Saturday mass, abused the pastor and is now threatening to register a blasphemy FIR against him for drawing upon verses from the Quran during his sermon.
Pastor Messiah George* had been invited by Data Zedka village Christians to give a sermon at the local church.
According to Arif Hameed*, a school teacher who arranged the pastor’s visit, Qari Muhammad Fazal* disrupted the mass around 11 pm, abusing the pastor and threatening to kill him. Fazal had objections to the pastor reading Quranic verses during his sermon. “He [Fazal] tried to get through to the pastor but we were able to help him escape,” said Hameed.
Fazal called the police to the church but by the time the police reached the church, the pastor had fled. Police officials were able to “persuade the Qari” to go home after assuring him that action will be taken against the pastor.
The next morning local Christians, said the school teacher, apologised to Fazal who is still insisting that the pastor “confess to his crime”, and publicly apologise for quoting the Quran. “Fazal has warned us that we will be responsible for the consequences,” he said.
Hameed said they had also sent women to the cleric’s wife and mother to apologise. “But Fazal’s adamant that the pastor apologise over the megaphone,” he said. Hameed said that they feared agitation by Muslim residents.
Fazal, when contacted, told The Express Tribune that Pastor George had “tried to justify the Christian point of view by giving Quranic references.” He said his “blood stared boiling” when he heard the pastor quoting from the Quran. “Yes, I abused them. I would have killed the pastor right there and then but I could not arrange for a weapon,” he said.
He said he had given an application to the police, asking that they file a blasphemy FIR against the pastor and the parish.
The police, however, told him that they would ask the pastor to apologise to the cleric at noon on Thursday (today) at the office of the DSP concerned. “In case the pastor does not come,” said Fazal, “I will get the FIR registered.”
He described the police as “followers of the American agenda of protecting the Christians”.
SHO Khalid Dar, however, denied receiving an application from the cleric. He said they were trying to “resolve the matter amicably” with the help of locals.
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