Indian Diaspora facing flak of Christians over violence in India

Milan (Italy), Oct 2 : The recent attacks on Christians in Orissa and Karnataka are tarnishing the secular image of India in Europe. Christians are questioning the effectiveness of the law and order machinery in the country.

Christians in Italy want to seek Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to ensure safety of their co-religionists and churches in India against activities of hoodlums.

Members of the Christian community in Italy were developing a dislike for Hindus and Sikhs residing in the European countries.

The Indians are facing flack of the hardliners here following reports of violent incidents taking place in parts of Orissa and Karnataka and inability of the State administrations to curb the perpetrators of violence.

The reports of violent incidents in India have been highlighted in the local newspapers for over a month.

Jasbir Singh, the President of the Sikh Council of Italy told this correspondent that the Italian newspapers like "Lecco Di Beragma" and "Corrieare Della Sera" has been publishing the sharp views of the Christian community in Europe, and have questioned India's popular secular image.

Jasbir has urged Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to take stringent action against all responsible people working against minorities.

Hindu and Sikh organizations here today complain of ignorance and unwanted hurdles while seeking approvals for establishing religious structures in various parts of the Europe.

Gurdial Singh of Singh Sabah of France said that the attacks on Christians Churches would jeopardise the pending issues pertaining to Sikh community in France, especially over the turban issue.

Anil Kumar, an NRI businessman, said that though there had not been any direct reaction of the unfortunate incidents in India, the various hardliners' groups who often express venom against Asians, have now got reasons to target the Indians in their countries. "This will only further problems for the Indians living in Europe", he added.

Vishal Kumar, another businessman, said that India has been known for its secular image worldwide but the attacks on the Christin minorities India has not only maligned its image but also caused insecurity among people of Indian origin living in various parts of the world.

Ranjit Singh Masuta, President of the Punjab Educational and Cultural Activates Trust (PECA), Switzerland, said that the Indian minorities living in Europe had never faced any grave problem in relation with Christian community in Europe. But, following reports of violence against Christians in India, people look at us with suspicion.

While it was the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure the safefy of all its citizens, it was also necessary that it should enforce law and order in the interest of the Indian community living abroad. y Ravinder Singh Robin

ANI