- DIMAPUR — The
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has condemned the alleged
“reprehensible attack” on Catholic priests and laity by Hindutva extremists in
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on March 31.
- In a press statement, the NPCC termed the act of violence
perpetrated against members of the Christian community, including the physical
assault on Father Davis and Father George T, as an outright violation of
fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
- “It is deeply disturbing that religious pilgrims from Mandla
parish, who were peacefully exercising their right to faith and worship, were
subjected to harassment and violence.
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- “The suspected involvement of Bajrang Dal activists in
unlawfully detaining the pilgrims and priests not once, but twice, underscores
the growing atmosphere of intolerance and religious extremism in the region,”
the state Congress unit said.
- While appreciating the police intervention in securing the
release of the victims, the NPCC urged the Government of Madhya Pradesh to take
strict and immediate action against the perpetrators to ensure justice is
served.
- The committee also demanded that concrete measures should be
taken to safeguard the rights of religious minorities and prevent such
incidents in the future.
- “The NPCC stands in solidarity with the Catholic community
of Madhya Pradesh and calls upon the esteemed state government to uphold the
principles of secularism and democracy by taking decisive action against the
forces attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
- “We hope that swift legal action will be taken to restore
the faith of the people in the rule of law and the protection of minority
rights,” it added.
