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== Bajrang Dal's involvement ==
== Bajrang Dal's involvement ==
Mahendra Kumar, the state convener for the [[Bajrang Dal]] group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. <ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms</ref> He was later arrested on [[September 20]], after the state government was sternly admonished by the [[Government of India|Centre]]. <ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms</ref> <ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Ktaka_Bajrang_Dal_convener_held/articleshow/3502563.cms Attack on churches: Karnataka cops arrest Bajrang Dal convener] The Times of India - September 20, 2008</ref>
Mahendra Kumar, the state convener for the youth wing [[Bajrang Dal]] group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. <ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms</ref> He was later arrested on [[September 20]], after the state government was sternly admonished by the [[Government of India|Centre]]. <ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms</ref> <ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Ktaka_Bajrang_Dal_convener_held/articleshow/3502563.cms Attack on churches: Karnataka cops arrest Bajrang Dal convener] The Times of India - September 20, 2008</ref>


The [[Bajrang Dal]] group claims that Hindus are being illegally converted to Christianity in the area. They claim that the christian missionaries are running a large scale conversion program with a long term plan to divide India on the basis of religion. The ban on catholic church in China is quoted as an example of the intentions of the church. However, the recent anti-Christian violence in Karnataka and [[Orissa]] have led to calls for a ban on [[Bajrang Dal]] and another militant <ref name="BBC-Hindu militant faces court/"> {{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/835387.stm|title="Hindu militant faces court"|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2000-07-15}}</ref> <ref name="BBC-Militant Hindu Valentine threat/"> {{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1166055.stm|title="Militant Hindu Valentine threat"|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2001-02-12}}</ref> Hindu organisation, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP, World Hindu Council). <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm More church attacks in Karnataka] BBC - September 17, 2008</ref> <ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092255981300.htm Gowda demands ban on Bajrang Dal, Srirama Sena] The Hindu - September 22, 2008</ref>
The [[Bajrang Dal]] group claims that Hindus are being illegally converted to Christianity in the area. They claim that the christian missionaries are running a large scale conversion program with a long term plan to divide India on the basis of religion. The ban on catholic church in China is quoted as an example of the intentions of the church. However, the recent anti-Christian violence in Karnataka and [[Orissa]] have led to calls for a ban on [[Bajrang Dal]] and another militant <ref name="BBC-Hindu militant faces court/"> {{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/835387.stm|title="Hindu militant faces court"|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2000-07-15}}</ref> <ref name="BBC-Militant Hindu Valentine threat/"> {{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1166055.stm|title="Militant Hindu Valentine threat"|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2001-02-12}}</ref> Hindu organisation, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP, World Hindu Council). <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm More church attacks in Karnataka] BBC - September 17, 2008</ref> <ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092255981300.htm Gowda demands ban on Bajrang Dal, Srirama Sena] The Hindu - September 22, 2008</ref>
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[[BS Yeddyurappa]], the [[Chief Minister]] of Karnataka, said the attacks were provoked by conversions of [[Hindus]] to [[Christianity]]. He also alleged that a [[Protestant]] group had distributed literature which insulted Hindu gods. The Chief Minister however clarified that he was not defending the actions of those who attacked prayer halls and churches in Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur on Sunday. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm More church attacks in Karnataka] BBC - September 17, 2008</ref> Later, the Christian leaders denied it and commented that [[BJP]] was inciting violence rather than working to calm the situation. On the other hand, the [[Government of India|Center Government]] had strongly criticized and sent showcase notices to the state Government for not solving the issue effectively. <ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\09\20\story_20-9-2008_pg4_13 India government warns state over anti-Christian attacks] Daily Times - September 20, 2008</ref>
[[BS Yeddyurappa]], the [[Chief Minister]] of Karnataka, said the attacks were provoked by conversions of [[Hindus]] to [[Christianity]]. He also alleged that a [[Protestant]] group had distributed literature which insulted Hindu gods. The Chief Minister however clarified that he was not defending the actions of those who attacked prayer halls and churches in Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur on Sunday. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm More church attacks in Karnataka] BBC - September 17, 2008</ref> Later, the Christian leaders denied it and commented that [[BJP]] was inciting violence rather than working to calm the situation. On the other hand, the [[Government of India|Center Government]] had strongly criticized and sent showcase notices to the state Government for not solving the issue effectively. <ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\09\20\story_20-9-2008_pg4_13 India government warns state over anti-Christian attacks] Daily Times - September 20, 2008</ref>


According to [[National Commission for Minorities]] that the Karnataka government of serious lapses in handling the situation and they found directly responsible for allowing violence to spread, and said the police failed to solve the issue effectively as the violence continues. They also clarified that there were no reported complaints of forced conversion registered in the state.<ref>[http://www.ptinews.com/pti\ptisite.nsf/0/5365C77C003E62FC652574CB00232C24?OpenDocument
According to [[National Commission for Minorities]] that the Karnataka government of serious lapses in handling the situation and they found directly responsible for allowing rapes and violence to spread, and said the police failed to solve the issue effectively as the violence continues. They also clarified that there were no reported complaints of forced conversion registered in the state.<ref>[http://www.ptinews.com/pti\ptisite.nsf/0/5365C77C003E62FC652574CB00232C24?OpenDocument
NCM blames Bajrang Dal for Karnataka, Orissa violence] Press Trust of India - September 21, 2008</ref><ref>http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=93531</ref>
NCM blames Bajrang Dal for Karnataka, Orissa violence] Press Trust of India - September 21, 2008</ref><ref>http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=93531</ref>


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A high-level official team headed by Union special secretary (internal security) M L Kumawat was rushed to Mangalore and other affected places in the state. Senior Congress Party leaders [[Veerappa Moily]], [[Margaret Alva]] and [[Janardhana Poojary]] also visited the state.<ref>http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Ready_to_die_for_Christ_Bangalore_Archbishop_tells_Yeddyurappa/articleshow/3515705.cms</ref>
A high-level official team headed by Union special secretary (internal security) M L Kumawat was rushed to Mangalore and other affected places in the state. Senior Congress Party leaders [[Veerappa Moily]], [[Margaret Alva]] and [[Janardhana Poojary]] also visited the state.<ref>http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Ready_to_die_for_Christ_Bangalore_Archbishop_tells_Yeddyurappa/articleshow/3515705.cms</ref>


On [[22 September]], the Archbishop of Bangalore has angrily spoken his reaction regarding the issue to the Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa. <ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Archbishop_slams_Karnataka_CM_over_church_attacks/articleshow/3513469.cms Archbishop slams Karnataka CM over church attacks] The Times of India - September 22, 2008</ref>
On [[22 September]], the Archbishop of Bangalore has angrily spoken his reaction regarding the rapes issue to the Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa. <ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Archbishop_slams_Karnataka_CM_over_church_attacks/articleshow/3513469.cms Archbishop slams Karnataka CM over church attacks] The Times of India - September 22, 2008</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:Religious violence in India]]
[[Category:Religious violence in India]]
[[Category:Anti-Christianity]]
[[Category:Anti-Christianity]]
[[Category:Hindu history]]
[[Category:2008 in India]]
[[Category:2008 in India]]

Revision as of 20:58, 14 October 2008

The Anti-Christian violence in Karnataka, 2008 includes a wave of attacks directed against Christian churches and prayer halls in Karnataka by the Bajrang Dal, with the ruling BJP government accused of involvement.[1] [2] [3]

The violence

On 14 September 2008, about 20 churches were vandalized in Mangalore, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and in other districts of Karnataka. The Assailants had damaged Catholic Churches, Protestant churches and Kingdom halls belonging to Jehovah’s Witnesses groups. The violence soon spread to Kolar, Dakshina Kannada and minor damage was reported from the state border of Kasargod in Kerala.[4] [5] [6]

On 15 september, Violence erupted in the aftermath of serial attacks on churches and missionary prayer halls in coastal areas of Karnataka escalated on Monday as four persons were attacked and Christians resorted to violent protests in which more than 40 persons were injured. [7]

On 21 September, two more churches in Bangalore were attacked. Iron rods were used to break into a church in Mariyannana Palya. The eucharist was desecrated, and furniture damaged. The donation chest was broken, and Rs. 1,000 stolen. In all, the cost of the damage was Rs. 18,000. The second attack took place in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in west Bangalore. The statue of Virgin Mary outside a church was damaged as some people pelted stones. [8] [9].

The attacks started in response to the allegation by the Bajrang Dal, that New Life Fellowship Trust‘s distribution of a book, which accused of having some comments against two Hindu Gods and forcing conversion that irked Hindutva advocates in Karnataka. [10] However, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese clarified that the Catholic Church has not involved in any forceful religious conversion. [11].

Bajrang Dal's involvement

Mahendra Kumar, the state convener for the youth wing Bajrang Dal group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. [12] He was later arrested on September 20, after the state government was sternly admonished by the Centre. [13] [14]

The Bajrang Dal group claims that Hindus are being illegally converted to Christianity in the area. They claim that the christian missionaries are running a large scale conversion program with a long term plan to divide India on the basis of religion. The ban on catholic church in China is quoted as an example of the intentions of the church. However, the recent anti-Christian violence in Karnataka and Orissa have led to calls for a ban on Bajrang Dal and another militant [15] [16] Hindu organisation, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP, World Hindu Council). [17] [18]

Government faces criticism

BS Yeddyurappa, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, said the attacks were provoked by conversions of Hindus to Christianity. He also alleged that a Protestant group had distributed literature which insulted Hindu gods. The Chief Minister however clarified that he was not defending the actions of those who attacked prayer halls and churches in Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur on Sunday. [19] Later, the Christian leaders denied it and commented that BJP was inciting violence rather than working to calm the situation. On the other hand, the Center Government had strongly criticized and sent showcase notices to the state Government for not solving the issue effectively. [20]

According to National Commission for Minorities that the Karnataka government of serious lapses in handling the situation and they found directly responsible for allowing rapes and violence to spread, and said the police failed to solve the issue effectively as the violence continues. They also clarified that there were no reported complaints of forced conversion registered in the state.[21][22]

On 18 September, the Central Government issued an advisory under Article 355 of the constitution to the Orissa and Karnataka governments.[23]. Directives issued under Article 355, if unheeded, become a prelude to invoking President's Rule.[24]. The next day, the centre issued a separate and sterner advisory to Karnataka demanding urgent steps to restore peace. [25] However, the Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa blamed lapses on the part of the police for these attacks, and directed the home minister and DGP to act against jurisdictional police officers. [26]

A high-level official team headed by Union special secretary (internal security) M L Kumawat was rushed to Mangalore and other affected places in the state. Senior Congress Party leaders Veerappa Moily, Margaret Alva and Janardhana Poojary also visited the state.[27]

On 22 September, the Archbishop of Bangalore has angrily spoken his reaction regarding the rapes issue to the Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa. [28]

See also

References

  1. ^ UPA govt puts State on notice Deccan Herald - September 19, 2008
  2. ^ Opposition seeks dismissal of BJP Govt Mangalorean.com - September 19, 2008
  3. ^ BJP Govt soft on Bajrang Dal, probes church funding Yahoo! India - September 18, 2008
  4. ^ http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13221&size=A
  5. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm
  6. ^ BJP Govt soft on Bajrang Dal, probes church The Indian Express - September 20, 2008
  7. ^ [1]
  8. ^ More Karnataka churches attacked BBC - September 22, 2008
  9. ^ Fresh attacks on churches The Statesman - September 22, 2008
  10. ^ http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=add&sectid=3&contentid=200809192008091903361675194568d35&subsite=0
  11. ^ http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/16/stories/2008091659220300.htm
  12. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms
  13. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms
  14. ^ Attack on churches: Karnataka cops arrest Bajrang Dal convener The Times of India - September 20, 2008
  15. ^ ""Hindu militant faces court"". BBC. Retrieved 2000-07-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ ""Militant Hindu Valentine threat"". BBC. Retrieved 2001-02-12.
  17. ^ More church attacks in Karnataka BBC - September 17, 2008
  18. ^ Gowda demands ban on Bajrang Dal, Srirama Sena The Hindu - September 22, 2008
  19. ^ More church attacks in Karnataka BBC - September 17, 2008
  20. ^ India government warns state over anti-Christian attacks Daily Times - September 20, 2008
  21. ^ [http://www.ptinews.com/pti\ptisite.nsf/0/5365C77C003E62FC652574CB00232C24?OpenDocument NCM blames Bajrang Dal for Karnataka, Orissa violence] Press Trust of India - September 21, 2008
  22. ^ http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=93531
  23. ^ http://etalaat.com/english/News/state-scan/2803.html
  24. ^ http://www.ejcl.org/81/art81-4.html#h1
  25. ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Centre_gets_tough_with_Orissa_tougher_with_Karnataka/articleshow/3504924.cms
  26. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/CM_blames_cops_/articleshow/3511160.cms
  27. ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Ready_to_die_for_Christ_Bangalore_Archbishop_tells_Yeddyurappa/articleshow/3515705.cms
  28. ^ Archbishop slams Karnataka CM over church attacks The Times of India - September 22, 2008
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