CHANDIGARH: The Christian community observed a complete strike in north India on Feb.3 to protest against incidents of Hindu fundamentalist violence against the members of the community. In an unprecedented action, the community gave a call for closure of all educational institutions run by Christian missionaries in the region. The call was issued by a meeting of important leaders headed by Bishop Gilbert Rego, at Chandigarh. The members of the community organized a big rally at Amloh where unidentified armed men twice attacked a Church at Bhadalthuha village on Dec.) and Jan.22. They attacked two nuns and injured them with steel rods. The attackers also attacked a maid. The community leaders said that a similar incident had occurred at a Church near Amritsar some time ago.
The Indian Minorities and Dalit Front in a statement expressed solidarity with the Christian community. The Front also enquired into the Amioh incidents and came to the conclusion that the entire incident was the result of a conspiracy against the minority communities and their religious beliefs. Balwant Singh Tohra headed the enquiry committee.
The committee said that the number of attackers broke through the wall of the adjoining F.C.L. godown and broke open the gate of the church. They severely beat up the nuns and took away Rs 13000 from them.
Lawyers of Amloh boycotted courts to express their sympathy with the victims of the attack.
There are about 50 Christian families in the Amioh region. About 150 persons are being educated in the faith. There are half a dozen churches in the area.
Political observers have noted with the concern the lack of interest by the Punjab administration in the Amioh incidents. None of the attackers has so far been arrested. Bishop Gilbert Rego met Punjab CM Beant to seek his intervention to stop attacks on Christians.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 5, 1993
