VHP, Bajrang Dal biggest beneficiaries of foreign funding: Teesta

Jaipur, May 3 (UNI) Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad today alleged that Hindu fundamentalist groups like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, who accuse minority groups of foreign funding for conversions, are themselves the biggest beneficiaries of foreign funding.

Part of a probe team to investigate the attack on Christian preacher Walter Massey here on Sunday, she claimed these ''fundamentalist groups get foreign money for carrying on a regular propaganda to justify physical attack against minority groups.'' Maharashtra Minority Commission vice-chairman Abhraham Mathai said the attack on a single person, alleged to have been carried out by Bajrang Dal and VHP activists,'' displayed their cowardice.'' Terming the Rajasthan Minority Commission as impotent and under government influence,'' Ms setalvad regretted that the Commission is not even sure that the attack was communally instigated.

However, State Minority Commission chairman Jasbir Singh told UNI that he has written to state home minister and the collector for adequate compensation for the victim and met Massey himself at the hospital.

Mr Singh said, on prime facie it appears that the attackers acted on their own and did not have the backing of fundamentalist groups.

Investigations and arrest of main accused would reveal the truth and it is not advisable to take action and speak against a group which may bring more harm to minorities in the long run, he said.

Reacting to accusation of being under government influence, Mr Singh said: ''Eeverybody is entitled to their views but as a minority commission, we are doing our best.'' Mr Mathai demanded that Christians be brought under the ambit of Prevention of Atrocities Act for SC/ST.

Supreme Court advocate Maryese Cariah said the mere identification of Christians amounts to harassment and is against constitutional provision.

UNI