Confessional violence, quotas and rights in meeting between Modi and Indian bishops

Yesterday the prime minister received a delegation led by the president of the Bishops' Conference (Cbci). In the letter, besides the ritual congratulations for the new mandate, all the concerns for Christians from the attacks in Manipur to the quota issue. Among the topics also Pope Francis' visit to India.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - A delegation made up of four prominent personalities of the Indian Church met yesterday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express great concern for the escalation of attacks against Christians in various parts of the country.

Leading the meeting was Msgr Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan of Trichur of the Syro-Malabars and president of the Indian Bishops' Conference (CBCP), who also congratulated the Prime Minister on having obtained a third consecutive term in the top government posts. The leaders also pledged the Catholics' utmost commitment to the nation's development.

In the letter the delegation handed over to Modi, the Church leaders, after congratulating him and promising cooperation, expressed their "anguish over the increasing attacks on Christians and their institutions by anti-social elements in different parts of India".

"There have been several cases of harassment and attacks with false accusations of forced conversions and the misuse of anti-conversion laws. We wish to make it clear,' they continue, 'that the Church is firmly opposed to forced conversions.

The bishops' document then wants to bring to the government's attention the plight of "poor, Dalit and tribal Christians" who are "often victims of discrimination and exclusion". "We appeal to you," they add, "to extend to Dalit Christians the benefits of the reservation, similar to those enjoyed by Dalits of other religious groups, so that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by our Constitution. "Furthermore, we also appeal to you that the reservations provided for tribal Christians be kept intact and not withdrawn."

The letter then highlights the absence of Christians from the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions. Next, the Church leaders address the issue of Christian NGOs facing 'undue challenges during the renewal of their Fcra registration (which allows them to receive foreign donations)'. Finally, the note concludes, 'in solidarity with the people of Manipur [victim of tribal violence ], we urge you to take serious action to restore peace and harmony in the State'.

The letter was signed by Cbci president Msgr Andrews Thazhath, vice-president and bishop of Bathery, Msgr Joseph Mar Thomas, and Cbci general secretary and archbishop of Delhi, Msgr Anil Couto. When questioned by journalists at the end of the meeting, Bishop Thazhath said that 'our concerns have been heard' and the PM expressed 'solidarity'.

However, Modi also added that the perpetrators of the violence were 'fringe groups' and not 'the majority party [Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP] or the government'. Moreover, the PM would not give clear answers on the demands for Dalit Christians (for quotas) or the campaign to oust Christians from the status of a recognised tribe and caste.

Concerning Manipur, the premier said that the government is taking all measures to ensure peace, emphasising that 'this is an ethnic conflict and is not confessional'. In conclusion, the Catholic leaders urged the prime minister to speed up the steps for a visit of Pope Francis to India and added that they will also address the same invitation to the pontiff.