ICC Note:

On January 4, 2018, members of radical, right-wing Hindu groups attempted to force a Catholic college in India to host Hindu prayer rituals. Despite intense protests by priests and other college attendees, the right-wing groups ignored them and were only stopped after India’s Home Minister intervened, forcing them out of the college. While it is encouraging that a government official rejected the Hindu radicals, it is concerning that radicals feel bold enough to enter religious institutions and force their religion on others. It is unlikely that this attempt will be the end and Christians are left wondering if they will be on their own next time.

01/08/2018 India (The Shillong Times) – An attempt by right wing Hindu fanatical groups allegedly led by Bajrang Dal and ABVP to forcibly try and organise their ritual of worship inside a Catholic institution in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday has sent shockwaves across the Christian community in Meghalaya.

The Catholic Church in Garo Hills is calling for January 7^th to be observed as a “Day of Protest” to show solidarity with the suffering minorities in the rest of India and hold prayers for communal harmony in the country.

The decision to observe the protest stems from an incident that took place on January 4^th at St. Mary’s P.G. College in Vidisha, Sagar Diocese of Madhya Pradesh.

Fringe elements from right wing groups and members of the ABVP allegedly tried to forcibly conduct a prayer session inside the Catholic institution despite protests by the priests and brothers.

“The attempt was foiled due to the intervention of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for which the Christian community is deeply grateful, but the fact remains that the tiny minority Christian community over there lives in fear and anxiety and it is a cause of worry,” stated the Diocese of Tura in a statement to the media.

…

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator at [email protected]