GCIC: Attacks against Christians highest in Karnataka

The escalating violence in Karnataka state against Christians is recorded to be the worst in India from the last 20 months, reported Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), who documented the atrocities.

According to the council, Karnataka has the worst record in this period with 87 cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 30 cases.

A memorandum seeking immediate inquiry into the incidents has been submitted by GCIC to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC).

The council noted that, the atrocities in Karnataka have increased after the Bharatiya Janta Party came to power.

“After the BJP came into the coalition, there has been a climate of impunity for any acts of violence that are committed in the name of Hindutva,” the memorandum stated.

GCIC claimed many of these attacks occurred inside homes in the places of worship of Christians, worshipping within the privacy of their homes and churches.

It continued that, police have been reluctant to file FIRs or pursue the matter with seriousness.

GCCI has sought an investigation into the incidents by a specially empowered group in a speedy and time–bound manner.

The copies of the memorandum have also been sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, directing him to submit his response within three weeks, after a dialogue with key officials of the State in charge of law and order.

Sajan George, the President of GCIC, speaking to The Hindu said, the organisation had recorded 464 cases of atrocities against Christians throughout India over 20 months and submitted a memorandum to the National Human Rights Council as well.

The Christian leader concluded that, the incidents in Karnataka were a shame in a State known for peaceful coexistence of all communities.