It is disheartening to note that the Modi-led, NDA government has turned a blind eye to the series of atrocities on Christians across the country, including in Dwarka which is in the national capital. What are all these attacks supposed to convey? That the BJP will not allow individuals in this country to practise the faith they choose to? Is this not a violation of the Right to Freedom of Religion which is guaranteed to all Indians by the Constitution under Articles 25 to 28. Article 25 guarantees the freedom of conscience, the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion to all citizens. Article 26 gives freedom to manage religious affairs. This Article provides that every religious denomination has the right to manage its institutions subject to morality, health, and public order. Article 27 gives tax exemptions to proceeds which are directly used for the promotion and/or maintenance of any particular religion/religious denomination. Article 28 grants freedom to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.
Despite the above clearly laid down freedoms in the Constitution which is the guiding light for all those governing the country, over 300 instances of violence against Christians by Hindutva groups have been reported from across 21 states, particularly North India, in nine months of this year. This was documented by a human rights fact-finding group. In Delhi’s Dwarka area, a new church was allegedly vandalised by members of the Bajrang Dal. People praying inside the church were also allegedly assaulted by them. It is ironic that in October this year, Prime Minister Modi had met and invited Pope Francis to India – a country with the second largest Christian population in Asia. Two weeks earlier Mohan Bhagwat the RSS head and the ideological mentor of the BJP had warned Hindus of religious conversion and even alleged that there were demographic changes in the North Eastern states of India which have a large Christian population. Bhagwat made this speech on Dussehra, an important Hindu Festival. It is no secret that the RSS aims to make India a Hindu state. Following those speeches there have been violent attacks on Christians across different states in India.
What is intriguing is the silence of Christian groups in North East India at what is happening to their fellow-worshippers across India. If Mohan Bhagwat mentioned North East India, it may not be long before the attacks begin in these hills too. Also, none of the political parties barring the All Indian Trinamool Congress has condemned these atrocities. Are the churches and those elected to rule the states waiting to be attacked before they speak up?
