India's Christians fear renewed violence

Over a million Hindus have descended upon India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh for a three-day festival that minority religious groups fear is aimed at sparking violence against the Christian community.

“Police have given adequate security to all our institutions in that particular area,” says Fr Babu Joseph, spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops Conference of India.

Hindu fundamentalists have, for decades, accused the Christian minority of forced conversions of the local people – and there is talk of possible “reconversion” ceremonies being held at this weekend’s event.

“We have been reaching out to some of these leaders, but they are so strong about their agenda and nothing will stop them,” Fr Babu said. “All that we can do is appeal to the government to provide adequate protection.”

“Once you have an agenda -- it doesn’t matter if it’s true or not -- this agenda must be implemented – that is what [the extremists] are doing.”

The penetration of Hindu extremist groups in the state is already creating problems for social services guaranteed by the Christians, especially in less developed districts.

Listen to Fr Babu Joseph’s full interview with Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: