Associations condemn atrocities on Christian social welfare institutions

Associations condemn atrocities on Christian social welfare institutions

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, April 11, 2011: In the backdrop of the allegations of conversion and filing false complaints against the Catholic orgnisations by the fundamentalists, 38 like-minded organisations of the district urged the Governor to ban all those organisations which disrupt the communal harmony in the society.

 

 

 

 

 

At a protest staged by various like-minded organisations including International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations, Catholic Sabha, Akhila Bharatiya Rashtriya Congress and DSS, in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, the leaders of the organisations alleged that the State Government had deliberately not taken action against the Bajrang Dal activists who organised the vigilante attacks on the youth. The protesters said the administration, including the police and the Child Welfare Committee, had supported the activists by registering cases against two childcare organisations for alleged violation of provisions related to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act.

The CWC recently registered a case against Ebenezer Ashram in Haleyangadi and also against Lancelet Pinto, the Managing Trustee of the United Social Services Charitable Trust that manages Ashraya home in Bejai, at the behest of the Bajrang Dal, they alleged. The Bajrang Dal activists allegedly forced students from a home managed by Stella Mary to get down from a bus heading to Gulbarga.

Addressing the protest rally, Corporator Mariyamma Thomas came down heavily on the fundamentalists and urged the Governor to ban all those organisations which are indulging in mischief and creating trouble in the society.

“Recent incidents like filing false complaints on Ebisizer Ashrama in Haleyangadi, filing criminal case against MCC Opposition leader Lancylot Pinto on baseless allegations (of conversion) and tormenting the students of Stella Mary’s convent were all pre-planned and baseless.  Despite the Catholics serving the backward and disabled persons by opening remand homes and ashrams they have been targeted by the Bajrang Dal. The Governor should immediately take action so that the culprits are arrested,” she said.

She also urged the authorities to suspend Child Welfare Committee President Asha Nayak and Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director Shakunthala from their posts as they were acting as the agents of right wing forces.

 

 

 

 

 

Social activist Vincent Alva flayed the police for acting in favour of the right wing organisations by showing their inaction during critical situations. “According to the recent census, Chirtstian population in the region is decreasing. Then what proof do you need to show that Christians are not indulging in conversion?” he asked.

Mr. Alva alleged that the follow-up action by the police and the CWC following the nuisance indicated of a concerted design to create religious disharmony.

Referring to the complaint against the home managed by Stella Mary, Mr. Alva alleged that the CWC made the children wait till 9 p.m. even as the organisation had obtained necessary permission. “Stella Mary is an organisation that has been in existence since 1938 and has been working for the betterment of the oppressed classes,” he said. The institutions run by Missionaries were keen on improving the lives of people and provide education, he said.

Krishnanand D. from the Dalit Sangarsh Samiti said the police should take strict action against the Bajrang Dal activists for causing disharmony. “If you fail to take action, we will be forced to take legal action,” he said.

Ali Hasan from Muslim Merchants’ Association said a handful of people had been creating disharmony. “The police have to take stern action against such activists,” Mr. Hasan said.

In a memorandum addressed to Governor H.R. Bhardwaj, the organisations said they had lost faith with the way the State Government addressed the problems faced by Christians and other minority groups. They sought appointment of officers who respected the Constitution. They demanded the arrest of all activists indulging in creation of religious disharmony.