by Nirmala Carvalho

The 12 victims will receive a reward of 15 thousand rupees (200 €). The state has recognized the responsibility of Hindu radicals. The violence erupted shortly after the rise to power of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Mangalore (AsiaNews) - The government of the Indian state of Karnataka (south-west of the country)has  decided to compensate 12 victims who have suffered injuries in the attacks against Christians in 2008 with 15 thousand rupees (about 200 euro).

They include some nuns and women who were demonstrating peacefully against the brutality of the radicals. Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), spoke to AsiaNews about "deep satisfaction at the decision of the state authorities."

In September 2008, militants of the Bajrang Dal [youth wing of the Sangh Parivar, the umbrella organization that brings together paramilitary Hindu associations - ed] attacked more than 20 evangelical and Protestant churches and places of worship in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and other districts, including Bangalore and Kolar.

In 2011 the judge BK Somasekhara presented a report which excluded all government and police  responsibility in the attacks on churches. The judge’s report, however, was rejected in 2014 by the Karnataka government  as "dictated by political motives to exonerate the radical Hindu Sangh Parivar". The National Human Rights Commission of India recognized the use of excessive force by police and awarded damages of 15 thousand rupees (€ 200) for those who suffered violence.

The GCIC president said: "The number of attacks on churches and Christian institutions of the coastal Karnataka in September 2008 occurred shortly after the seizure of power in the state by the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party, the Hindu nationalist party, political extension of the Sangh Parivar - ed] in May of that year and in the wake of the pogrom in Kandhamal in August [the anniversary of which was commemorated only a few days ago - ed]. " "Encouraged by people with personal interests – he continues - Hindu fundamentalists attacked peaceful Christians and their places of worship, without any provocation. Their senseless actions have shocked the entire nation, creating a sense of fear and insecurity among members of the Christian community in the country. "

• INDIA
• government
• christian
• persecution
• hindu
• radicals