Demand for special cell in PMO to address woes of Christians

New Delhi, May 08 (UNI) Citing the latest report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a Christian body has demanded the setting up of a special cell in the Prime Minister's Office to tackle the community's grievances.

''In the absence of any visible and proactive role of the Ministry of Minority Affairs in resolving the grievances of Christian community, we entreat the Prime Minister to constitute a special cell under the PMO to tackle the problems of the community and to remove the feeling of isolation,'' the Global Council of Indian Christians said in a statement.

Referring to the USCIRF report, it also demanded the setting up of a judicial commission to probe the alleged atrocities on the community, that constitutes less than 2.4 per cent of India's population.

In its report last week, the USCIRF raised concern over recent attacks on Christian groups in Rajasthan and elsewhere in India.

In its recommendations to US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, the USCIRF said there was need to closely monitor cases of denial of religious freedom in India.

''The BJP-led state of Rajasthan in particular has been the recent scene of serious attacks on Christian individuals and institutions carried out by members of extremist groups espousing Hindu nationalism,'' the GCIC quoted the USCIRF report as saying.

UNI VN JN HS1344