The burning of St Sebastian’s Church in East Delhi in the early hours of 1 Dec 2014 has shocked and surprised the Christian community of Delhi and all around the country and they are feeling greatly insecure. India is known to be a country of peace, tranquility and harmony. All communities lived in an atmosphere and tradition of neighbourly brotherhood, caring and sharing with each other. This system divided our sorrows and doubled our happiness. The post partition riots of 1947 have left the whole of India in shambles and shame. This virus has started to spread and it has only widened the chasm between communities. Those orchestrating this situation must remember that this will become a situation that will spin out of control and from which there will be no return and this must be avoided at all costs.
As is reported widely in the media, the fire at the St. Sebastian’s Church was noticed around 1.30 am and the authorities were immediately informed, but the police only arrived at the scene at around mid day in spite of several impassioned pleas for help. The Police Commissioner only visited the site in the evening around 5.00 p.m. Is this all that we can expect from our police in our free India with a democratically elected Government in power?
Some of the members of the various hues of the saffron brigade have been openly playing with the sentiments of the miniscule Christian minority and pummeling them around. Some of the states that are most affected by highly objectionable and violent incidents are Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, UP and Karnataka. Here, forced mass re-conversions are taking place with impunity. The authorities concerned just look the other way and no action is taken against the culprits.
Only a full realization of the very dangerous situation that has been created by those who are pushing the Hinduvta agenda to ridiculous lengths can help control this situation. Only a total reversal of the violence that has been unleashed on the minorities can save our country. The Minority Community has always been acting in a very responsible way and has always displayed their loyalty and patriotism to our great country India in every known field of activity. Now it is for the Leaders of the Majority Community to set an example and lead their people on the right path, by eschewing violence and stopping false propaganda being made against the Christians and their straight forward, humble and peaceful ways. We reiterate that there are no forced conversions
The Christian community demands that special and foolproof measures be adopted around the whole country to avoid any repeat of such acts which may further escalate the tension that exists today. The Christian community has always been wholly peaceful and law abiding.
We thank our erstwhile Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for banning the rabble rousing and trouble shooting Pramod Muthalik of Sri Ram Sena. We pray for peace, stability and cooperation and the well being of Goa and all Goans. Viva Goa. Jai Hind.
