Indian archbishop demands action on Hindu harassment

(April 16, 2010) The head of the Catholic Church in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded protection and fair treatment to Christians who he says face continued harassment from right wing Hindu groups. Addressing a press conference on Thursday in the state capital Bhopal Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal said the state government has not taken any action against the perpetrators of crime against the minority community. He said, “Our people are booked in false cases and sent to jail but those who attack us walk free.” He said he wants to remind the government of its duty to protect each citizen without looking into anyone’s caste, creed and community sympathies. He said the inaction on the part of the government and law enforcement agencies has created a sense of insecurity among Christians who feel threatened. Archbishop Cornelio later told UCA News that a mudslinging campaign by anti-Christian groups had created discord and distrust among religious communities. These groups must be stopped before they spawn disharmony and disturb peaceful co-existence in the state, he added. Archbishop Cornelio announced that Christians would organize a protest march on Sunday in Bhopal to highlight their plight.