Minority outfits call for enactment of special law

Mumbai, May 15 (UNI) A section of minority groups in Maharashtra today strongly condemned the recent violent incidents against the Christian community, allegedly perpetrated by activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and urged the Union government and the two state governments to take stringent steps to check the growing trend, lest it spills over to other states.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ) here, Maharashtra Minority Commission Vice-Chairman Dr Abraham Mathai said there have been eight cases of violence against Christians in Maharashtra alone this year.

''The most disturbing fact behind these cases is the action and behaviour of the police, which put the victims behind bar, while allowing the accused to go scot free in the name of law,'' Dr Mathai said.

He called for an enactment of a special legislation by the UPA government at the Centre, which would guarntee protection to minorities against such violence, unleashed by the VHP and Bajrang Dal activists.

While strongly condemning such violence, noted criminal lawyer and NCP functionary Majeed Memon said that while the law could be enacted only after discussions and debate by the law-makers and the legal experts alike, it was the duty of every citizen to raise his voice against such violence.

''Indian Constitution allows every citizen to practice and follow the religion of his choice. The Constitution does not bar any person to change his or her religion, unless it is under any coercsion or pressure,'' he said while referring to cases of pastors being attacked by the VHP and Bajrang Dal activists, accusing them of conducting forceful conversion.

Mr Memon also assured that he would take up the matter with the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who is also a senior NCP leader.

The Movement accused the Saffron brigade of trying to replicate Gujarat in Maharashtra, and said that such attempts should be foiled by those who believe in a true secular society.

Activists from Jamiat-us-Salehat, Jaamiat-e-Ulema and All India Catholic Council also addressed the meet.

UNI