NEW DELHI, JUNE 20:National Commission for Minorities (NCM) member Harcharan Singh Josh, who conducted an investigation into allegations of harassment of Christians in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, today said his probe revealed that administration in the two BJP-ruled states has ‘‘failed’’ to protect religious rights of the community.
‘‘Bajrang Dal, VHP and Dharam Dal activists freely raid Christian homes, carry out searches and humiliate women there on the pretext of curbing proselytism. There is a total failure of administration to protect human and religious rights of Christian minorities in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,’’ Josh claimed.
He insisted police did not act against Sangh activists for attacking Christians in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh that have outlawed conversions.
Rejecting the NCM’s findings, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said, ‘‘The Commission was extra active in listening to the one-side of the story and was not bothered to really find out the fact.’’
Josh, who spent five days along with NCM member Chosphel Zotpa in the two BJP-ruled states for investigation, said the Commission had received more than two dozen complaints regarding anti-Christian acts there.
‘‘Half the complaints came during our investigation. Among the complainants were bishops of the two states who were in tears as they spoke about anti-Christian atrocities there,’’ he said. ‘‘The NCM will soon submit its report to the government for action.’’
Meanwhile, the NCM rejected BJP allegations that it was biased against the party-ruled states, saying the Commission has to take cognizance of issues facing religious minorities.
PTI
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment