NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF PEOPLE'S MOVEMENTS


ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS IN GUJARAT AGAINST THE DEMOCRACY AND CONSTITUTION
THE STATE AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MUST PROTECT THE MINORITY'S RIGHTS

The acts of violence and threats against the Christian population, in particular the Christian missionaries in Gujarat for the last several months, has already made a mockery of the democratic and secular fabric of this country and the assurances given in the Constitution. The so called Hindutva forces, with direct and indirect collusion of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have once again threatened the unity and uniqueness of this country and which may also be against the interests of millions of Hindus settled abroad. It is a test of the present BJP governments in Gujarat and at the Centre to contain the undemocratic behaviour of their political kinspeople. It is the duty of the government, be it of any political colour, to protect the people's fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and rule of law in India. We demand that the Centre should take initiatives to compel the Gujarat government to mend its ways and create an atmosphere of confidence and mutual trust.

The very logic, if any, behind these attacks as expounded by all the sundry leaders is in fact self defeating. The Sangh Parivar people have been complaining against the " Religious Conversions" by the Christian missionaries through their social services like education and health. Pray, who had prevented these elements from going among the tribals and serve for their welfare? If the tribals and backward castes have been accepting another faith, it has more to do with the fabric and practices prevalent in Hindu society, of which the Hindutva votaries have to care more. In fact, in most cases, the education and awareness spread through the missionary activities has empowered the tribals against the exploitation and injustices meted out to them by the high caste and upper class bourgeoisie. This, naturally, must have enraged the vested interests to wreck vengeance on the Christian missionaries and their actions. As regards the foriegn funds and their use, the government is empowered to monitor its use. There can be a debate on all such foreign funds syndrome, the largest recepient of which is the government itself.

Also, there are laws to prevent the forced religious conversions. Instead of dealing with these realities, the bigots in the name of religion have been threatening the minority communities. They must understand that the missionaries and the Christian community too has been contributing to national development and culture. The work done by missionary scholars in field of Indian languages, society and people's issues has been exemplary. Such strong arm tactics would result only in further alineating the community and stiffle its creative contribution.

In this context, we are surprised to know about the stance taken by the veteran Sarvodayi (Gandhian) activist in Gujarat, Mr. Chunibhai Vaidya, against the Christian missionary work. Mr. Vaidya also has been opposing fiercely the struggle in the Narmada valley against the controversial Sardar Sarovar Project. The Gandhians in Gujarat and outside, old and young, must explain this aberration so that there would be no confusion about the Sarvodayi tradition of tolerance, peace and friendship.

THOMAS KOCHERRY
PROF. SANJAY M.G.
MEDHA PATKAR

National Co-ordinators