Socialist Party (India) strongly condemns the attacks on churches, the disruption of prayers, and the harassment of worshippers of the Christian community in different parts of the country by Hindutva organisations on the sacred occasion of Christmas.
These incidents constitute a direct attack on the constitutional right to religious freedom of minorities. The rights guaranteed by the Constitution to worship, practice, and propagate one’s faith are being openly trampled upon, which is extremely alarming for a democratic and secular nation.
Christmas is a festival of love, peace, and brotherhood, yet hatred and violence are being deliberately spread on such an occasion, causing serious damage to the country’s social harmony. As a result of these incidents, India’s image as a secular nation is being tarnished globally. This is a matter of grave concern for the country’s international standing as well.
The Socialist Party (India) alleges that instead of taking strict action against such communal elements, several state governments ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party are providing them silent or even overt protection. This patronage is emboldening such forces and making minority communities feel increasingly insecure.
The Party demands that all attacks on churches and the Christian community be investigated in an impartial, independent, and time-bound manner and that the guilty be punished severely; that the safety and security of minorities be ensured with adequate arrangements during religious festivals; and that strict constitutional and legal action be taken against organisations spreading hatred as well as those who provide them protection.
The Socialist Party (India) appeals to all citizens to unite in defence of peace, brotherhood, and constitutional values, and expresses its full solidarity with the affected Christian community.