Christians in India protest incitation of religious hatred

(June 18.06.2011) A formal complaint was submitted by Christian leaders and organizations against Prabath Jha, President of the state of Madya Pradesh, an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who gave speeches that incite religious hatred and violence against Christians. During a speech for the upcoming elections in the district of Jabera, to elect a representative in State Parliament, he said: "Christian missionaries are involved in forced mass conversions in Jabera. People need to take revenge for such conversions".The statement has alarmed the Christians in Madhya Pradesh, as they could inflame and provoke anti-Christian violence.Fr. Anand Muttungal, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh, said: "The BJP continues to do everything possible to split the community. It is not the first time that it raises allegations of conversion on the eve of elections: when there is a Christian candidate; the question of conversions is exploited for political aim and Christians are portrayed as demons. The speech clearly violates the moral code of conduct. "The forum expressed concern about the safety of Christians and called for police vigilance as such speeches can induce the militants of radical Hindu groups to unleash attacks against individuals, churches or Christian institutions.