The Catholic Diocese of Belgaum in Karnataka has received assurances from the state government that police protection will allow it to resume construction of a church in Gadag district, after work was halted by two Hindu groups.
Bishop Derek Fernandes of Belgaum told UCA News on 11 December that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had instructed authorities to ensure “security, safety and protection” for the diocese to continue the stalled project in Ramapur village. Police have begun patrolling the campus, which also includes Holy Family High School and a kindergarten run by the Bethany Sisters.
Construction of the church and presbytery began on 30 October, following approval from the Ramapur village council (Gram Panchayat) on 24 July, along with payment of a fee of 31,000 rupees (around US$345). Foundation work had been completed before activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its affiliated group, Bajrang Dal, raised objections over alleged religious conversion activities.
On 5 December, the Gram Panchayat’s development officer issued a letter relaying the groups’ opposition and instructing a halt to construction. Bishop Fernandes dismissed the claims as “false and fabricated allegations,” noting that the diocese had not converted anyone in Ramapur in the past 12 years, and had focused on providing quality education to people of all faiths.
The bishop added that the same groups have periodically targeted Holy Family High School, demanding the removal of images of Jesus, the Cross, and B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution.
Fernandes and other Catholic leaders met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Belgaum on 9 December, submitting a memorandum detailing rising tensions. Catholic legislator Ivan D’Souza, who facilitated the meeting, said he would raise the issue in the state assembly on 12 December and seek a formal statement from Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
D’Souza reported that the chief minister had assured “strict action” against those responsible for creating sectarian tensions in the district. “Our peace-loving Christian community has been braving such incidents and harassment from fringe elements in parts of Karnataka,” he said.
Adapted from UCA News.
