Christians against "usurpation" of minority rights

Kottayam, Aug 12 (UNI) The Christian community in Kerala today took strong exception to the manner in which the CPI (M) led LDF government in the state was trying to ''usurp'' the minority rights and ''interfere'' in the affairs of aided schools.

Tens of thousands of worshipers participating in the minority rights protection rally and conference here pledged their loyalty to the Bishops. The participants pledged that the government's move would be opposed strongly.

Inaugurating the minority rights protection meeting at the historic Thirunakkara Maidan Marthoma Metropolitan Philipose Mar Chrisostom emphasised the need for protecting the minority rights to save democracy.

Minority rights were not something acquired through struggle but a part of the democratic system. Protection for minorities had been constitutional right. It was the duty of the Christians to protect their rights to set up educational institutions. Being an Indian it was their fundamental right and as a Christian their minority rights, he contended.

The Metropolitan appealed to the government to act ''consciously'' and with ''democratic feeling'' particularly at a time when the nation was celebrating its 60th anniversary of Independence to resolve the problem.

Delivering the keynote address, Inter Church Council Chairman Mar Joseph Powathil charged that the state government and the ruling parties were trying to ''impose'' their agenda in the self-financing education sector in the name of consensus. Sincere efforts were not made to resolve the issue.

Running educational institutions was the fundamental right of the minority communities. In a democracy both individual's and society's rights should be protected. State Government's move to ''annexe'' minority rights and ''interfere'' in the running of aided schools would not be tolerated, he asserted.

Kottayam Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakkattu, Changanacherry Arch Bishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Thiruvalla Bishop Thomas Mar Coorilos, Knanaya Metropolitan Kuriakose Mar Sevarios, C S I Bishop Thomas Samuel and other leaders addressed the meeting. Thomas Mar Athanasius, Chengannur Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church presided over the function.

UNI