Christians Forcibly Converted To Hinduism And Asked to Attack Their Own Churches
Attacks On Christians Continue In Orissa.
PRESS STATEMENT
New Delhi, September 2, 2008:
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is shocked to learn that the Christians in Orissa who have been already victims of violence are now being forced to become Hindus and attack their own Churches in which they have been worshiping so long. This is totally inhuman and a gross violation of human rights.
According to the latest reports from Bhubaneshwar, although Rapid Action Force is deployed at several places in Kandhamal with specific instructions ‘to shoot at sight’ the unruly mob continue to attack Churches and ransack the Christian institutions at will. On Monday, September 1, it is reported that 10 prayer halls were destroyed in Kundra village of Jayapur District. In Tikabali Block, 5 villages were attacked and property looted. Similarly, a Church, a Convent and 2 hostels were destroyed in Mondasore under Raikia Block.
We are extremely distressed to note that despite the assurances given by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the violence in Kandhamal would be brought under control, we find that there has not been much improvement in the riot hit areas of Kandhamal. Even though security forces have been deployed in Kandhamal, the fundamentalists continue to attack Christians and their institutions freely.
We earnestly, appeal to the Chief Minister of Orissa to act firmly against those who are taking law into their hands and safeguard Christians, their houses and institutions which are being constantly attacked by the fundamentalist groups. We also request the State Administration to be vigilant at the forced re-conversion issue since it is a gross violation of their Constitutional right to live in the country without fear.
Issued by
Rev Dr Babu Joseph
Spokesperson, CBCI
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is shocked to learn that the Christians in Orissa who have been already victims of violence are now being forced to become Hindus and attack their own Churches in which they have been worshiping so long. This is totally inhuman and a gross violation of human rights.
According to the latest reports from Bhubaneshwar, although Rapid Action Force is deployed at several places in Kandhamal with specific instructions ‘to shoot at sight’ the unruly mob continue to attack Churches and ransack the Christian institutions at will. On Monday, September 1, it is reported that 10 prayer halls were destroyed in Kundra village of Jayapur District. In Tikabali Block, 5 villages were attacked and property looted. Similarly, a Church, a Convent and 2 hostels were destroyed in Mondasore under Raikia Block.
We are extremely distressed to note that despite the assurances given by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the violence in Kandhamal would be brought under control, we find that there has not been much improvement in the riot hit areas of Kandhamal. Even though security forces have been deployed in Kandhamal, the fundamentalists continue to attack Christians and their institutions freely.
We earnestly, appeal to the Chief Minister of Orissa to act firmly against those who are taking law into their hands and safeguard Christians, their houses and institutions which are being constantly attacked by the fundamentalist groups. We also request the State Administration to be vigilant at the forced re-conversion issue since it is a gross violation of their Constitutional right to live in the country without fear.
Issued by
Rev Dr Babu Joseph
Spokesperson, CBCI
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1 comment:
This is what the terrorists teach... Is this what their religion teaches?
Forcibably under threat to become a hindu or we will kill you.
Some might do it under fear, but in the hearts they will still follow and workship their Creator. External signs are not important.... it is only superficial.
Now there are a few hindus who want to change their religion on their own, that is what a few told us when we were talking in general
about the violence in Orissa. They are ashammed. We live in the US, but these people(hindus) do not want to ever come back to India. They feel ashammed. Our Govt is not doing anything. Where is the CM of Orissa? Has he left the State?
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