NCCI Demand Action Against Kathua and Unnao Rape Case

In this photo taken last Wednesday, Indian women carry placards as they march to mourn the death of a gang rape victim in New Delhi, India, Jan. 2, 2013. AP

National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 16 demanding action against the culprits responsible for the barbaric gang rape and murder of the 8-year-old girl from Kathua and the rape of the 20 year old young woman from Unnao.

The church body also called for the removal of the government officials—anyone who is associated with hate crimes and hate speeches—and punish those who are triggering communal hatred.

"We write this letter at the darkest hour of our country when our Government is failing to protect girls, women and children. We express our deep anguish and pain, regarding the barbaric and heinous act of gang rape and murder of the little eight year old girl in Kathua and the rape of young 20 year old girl from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh," read the letter.

They also expressed rage regarding the use of crime and sexual violence to propagate fundamentalist's propaganda.

"The repeated targeting of women and children as a tool or agenda for personal, religious and political gain is nothing but an unforgivable crime against humanity. Politicization of religion is further leading to feminization of violence," it read.

"It is a shame that that our National Tri-Colour is used by 'mafias' and 'goons' or humans with political agendas, who have lost their conscience, during protest rallies to support the rapists instead of the victims, their families and communities," it added.

Sexual violence has become pandemic in India and it is one of the biggest national problems and needs to be addressed immediately and strategically.

The government must put an end to the culture of sexual crimes and rape, NCCI demanded.