Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council Vigilance Commission has called for immediate and firm action by governments to prevent the rising incidents of violence against Christians reported from different parts of the country.
The commission said such attacks damage India’s long standing tradition of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. It urged central and state governments to identify individuals and groups behind communal violence and take strict legal action against them without delay.
Referring to recent Christmas celebrations, the commission noted that the participation of the Prime Minister and other leaders sent a positive message of mutual respect and goodwill. However, it expressed concern that, despite this, Christians in several regions faced attacks and restrictions on their freedom to worship during the Christmas season.
The commission said these incidents reflect intolerance towards minorities and pose a challenge to the spirit of the Constitution. With reports of repeated attacks continuing to emerge, governments must openly reject all attempts at communal polarisation and ensure that the law is enforced firmly against those responsible.
The appeal was issued by Fr Dr Michael Pulikkal CMI, secretary of the Vigilance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council, who stressed that protecting religious freedom is essential to preserving the country’s democratic and cultural values.