In the December issue of “The Pracofiref News Update,” an article was printed highlighting the extent to which Hindu revolutionaries are repressing the rights of religious minorities throughout India.
The Prayer Council for International Religious Freedom Inc. (PCFRIF Inc.) has been vocal in their condemnation of the violent tactics employed by militant Hindus to this end, stating that “The World Hindu Organization is directly held responsible for the demolition of non-Hindu places and the massacre of innocent people.” P.D. John, Executive Director of PCFRIF, was quoted as saying, “the fundamental rights of the citizens should not be violated under any circumstances in any country by any type of government” concluding that it is the responsibility of The World Christian Community to fight against all instances of religious oppression.
The PCFRIF should be lauded for their vocal opposition to the human rights crimes committed by Hindu revolutionaries and in many cases the Hindu-majority Indian Central Government. Particularly commendable are the efforts on the part of PCFRIF Inc. towards dissuading President Clinton and the Dalai Lama from officially recognizing The World Hindu Organization, thus denying them the political legitimacy to which they aspire. It should be emphasized, how- ever, that only through the cooperation of All religious minorities in India will a viable bargaining position in the world political forum ever be attained. From Mukkuvar Christians on the Southern tip of Tamil Nadu to Muslims in the Northern state of Kashmir to the Sikhs in Punjab. religious minorities are being methodically decimated in what amounts to nothing less than a campaign to “ethnically cleanse” India. Only through the banding together of all religious minorities will there finally be an end to the bloodshed.
Andrew Croce, Washington.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 25, 1994
