INDIA Confessional violence, quotas and rights at Modi’s meeting with Indian bishops

The Prime Minister received a delegation yesterday led by the president of the Bishops’ Conference (CBCI). In the letter, along with the usual congratulations on the new mandate, they present all the concerns of Christians, from the attacks in Manipur to the quota issue. Another topic is the visit of Pope Francis to India.

Delhi () – A delegation of four leading figures of the Church in India met yesterday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express their deep concern about the escalation of attacks against Christians in various parts of the country. The delegation was led by Mgr Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan of Trichur of the Syro-Malabars and President of the Indian Bishops’ Conference (CBCP), who congratulated the Prime Minister on having obtained a third consecutive term at the head of the government. The leaders also affirmed the full commitment of Catholics to the development of the country.

In the letter that the delegation handed to Modi, the Church leaders, after congratulating and promising collaboration, expressed their “distress at the increasing attacks against Christians and their institutions by anti-social elements in various places in India.” “There have been numerous cases of harassment and attacks with false accusations of forced conversions and the misuse of anti-conversion laws. We want to clarify – they continue to say – that the Church is firmly opposed to forced conversions.”

The bishops’ document wants to draw the government’s attention to the situation of “poor, Dalit and tribal Christians” who “are often victims of discrimination and exclusion.” “We appeal to you,” they add, “to extend to Dalit Christians the benefits of reservation, equivalent to those enjoyed by Dalits of other religious groups, so that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by our Constitution.” “We also ask you to keep intact the reservations provided for tribal Christians and not to withdraw them.”

The letter then points out the absence of Christians in the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions. The church leaders then address the issue of Christian NGOs, which are facing “undue challenges in renewing their registration with the FCRA (which allows them to receive foreign donations).” Finally, the note concludes, “in solidarity with the people of Manipur [víctima de la violencia tribal]we urge you to intervene seriously to restore peace and harmony in the State.”

The letter was signed by CBCI President, Msgr Andrews Thazhath, Vice President and Bishop of Bathery, Msgr Joseph Mar Thomas and CBCI General Secretary and Archbishop of Delhi, Msgr Anil Couto. At the end of the meeting, Msgr Thazhath told reporters that “our concerns have been heard” and the Prime Minister had expressed “solidarity”. However, Modi also said that the perpetrators of the violence were “fringe groups” and not “the majority party”. [Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP] or the government.” Moreover, the Prime Minister has not given clear answers on the demands relating to Dalit Christians (quotas) or on the campaign to expel Christians from the status of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste. As for Manipur, the Prime Minister affirmed that the government is taking all measures to ensure peace, stressing that “it is an ethnic conflict and is not confessional in nature.” Finally, the Catholic leaders urged the Prime Minister to speed up the steps for a visit by Pope Francis to India and added that they will also extend the invitation to the pontiff.