An ecumenical faith-based group that monitors attacks on Christians in India welcomed the decision of the country’s Supreme Court to hear a petition to probe hate crimes in the country.
“I hope the court takes note of the rising incidents of violence against Christians and directs concerned authorities to initiate criminal investigations and prosecute the criminal offenders in accordance with law,” said A C Michael, national coordinator of the United Christian Forum.
He was reacting to the decision of the Supreme Court on June 27 listing the petition for hearing on July 11.
The petition was filed by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore along with the National Solidarity Forum, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India.
“In May, 57 cases of violence happened and more attacks are anticipated,” said Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners and seeking an urgent hearing.
The petition urged the court to stop the “targeted hate speech” against the Christian community and attacks at their places of worship.
Michael said it would be good if the court asks each affected state “to provide police protection for prayer meetings, and to let the believers practice their faith in peace by enforcing the law of the land.”
The petitioners said that their plea is against the “sinister phenomena of violence” and “targeted hate speech” against the Christian community.
The petitioners alleged that the federal and state governments have failed to take immediate and necessary actions against groups that have caused widespread violence and hate speech against the Christian community, including attacks at their places of worship and other institutions run by them.
Earlier on June 13, the United Christian Forum demanded urgent judicial and government intervention to check rapid rise in incidents of violence, coercion and false arrests that traumatize the community.
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