Over 15,000 attend AICC rally in Andhra Pradesh

A massive rally was organised by the All India Christian Council (AICC) in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, to protest the persecution of Christians by Hindu radical groups in the country.

The rally held at the Gymkhana grounds, was joined by over 15000 protesters from all the 24 districts of the state.

Leaders of all major political parties participated in the rally. Also Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims participated and extended their solidarity and support for the Christians who were victimized.

Dr. Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary of Public Affairs, said, “The Central Government is not acting on the violence against Christians as it supposed to act. We demand that the government should impose a ban on Sangh sponsored groups like VHP, Bajrang dal, and RSS."

"Provocative statements by certain fundamentalist Hindutva leaders have saddened the vast majority of Hindus as well as minority communities. These extremist groups have committed unprovoked attacks against Christians and falsely accused them of “conversions”. Responsible leaders should unconditionally condemn the murder of any Indian citizen – including Christians.”

Dr. Paul said that about 350 villages were attacked in Orissa, and over 23,000 were taking shelter in the relief camps set up by the authorities. He said the facilities were insufficient at most of the camps and food was not being served in time. Many people had not been given blankets. “The Central government should take the initiative to arrange basic facilities at the relief camps,” he demanded.

National Congress Party Mr. B. Manikya Varaprasad, Member of Legislative Assembly, said that the Central Government had taken the issue very seriously and had discussed it at length in the Congress Working Committee.

In Karnataka, since September 14, members of Hindu Bajrang dal group, attacked over 20 churches, accusing Christians of “forced conversions.”

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who chaired a high–level meeting to review the situation soon after the fresh cases of attack were reported, charged that the attacks were an organised conspiracy by those who did not wish peace to return to the state.