For Immediate Press Release

All India Christian Council

Plot No. 142, Telecom Colony, Kanajiguda, Secunderabad - 500015, Tel 0140-27868908, Email aiccdelhi@gmail. com, www.aiccindia. org


For Immediate Press Release

Over 15000 Joined People Peace and Solidarity March on International Peace Day

Killers of Mahatma Gandhi are the same killers of Christians in India - Swami Agnivesh

Lalu Prasad will take up the Anti Christian Violence in Parliament

50000 Homeless Christians in Orissa demanded Refugees Status under UNHCR.



New Delhi, October 1, 2008


Over 15000 Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhist, politicians and civil societies joined the Peace and Solidarity rally on International Peace Day on 139th birth day of Father of nation Mahatma Gandhi today against anti-Christian violence in India.


Addressing at the peace rally, Swami Agnivesh said, “The very killers of Mahatma Gandhi, are the same killers of Christians in Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country.” “The killer – the Hindutva fascists does represent the peace loving Hindu societies, rather they are damaging the Sanatam Dharma of Hinduism.”


India Union Minister for Indian Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav breaks out his silence over anti-Christian violence in Orissa, Karnataka and other parts of India. Addressing in the rally, he said, “I will personally meet Prime Minister and discuss urgently urgently about implementing Article 355.” “I will also take up the anti-Christian violence in Parliament and debate the hatred of Hindutva forces,” he added.


In morning hour of the rally, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit showed her solidarity and expressed the concern and pain over the anti-Christian violence. She also condemned the Hindu fanatics who are responsible for the crime and causing damage to Christian minorities.


Other dignitories who participated the rally includes, Sitaram Yedhury of CPI (M), Union Minister of Labor Oscar Fernandez, Activist Teesta Setalvad, Dr. Udit Raj, President of SC/ST Federation, Dr. Valson Thampu – Principal of St. Stephen, Shabnam Hashmi from ANHAD, and others from Sikh, Muslim and Hindu communities.


7 days “Sit in Protest” organized by the Christians of Delhi and NCR with lion share by Federation of Catholic, Delhi along with All India Christian Council and others, ended peacefully today. 152 hours of chain prayer and protest went in solidarity with the victims of anti-Christian violence from September 26, 10 AM till today 6 PM.


A slogan of “Ban Terrorist, Ban Bajrang Dal,” “Ban Vishwa Hindu Parishad,” and “Ban Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh,” went through 5 km long route from Jantar Mantar to Rajghat, this afternoon. Civil societies, activists and various religion leaders demanded the Hindutva fanatics be banned as terrorists.


The toll of violence against Christians as of September 29, 2008:


ORISSA: 14 (of 30) Districts affected, 300 Villages damaged, 4,300 Houses burnt, 50,000 Homeless, 57 People killed including at least 2 pastors, 10 Priests/Pastors/ Nuns injured, 18,000 Men, women, children injured, 2 Women gang-raped, 149 Churches destroyed, but attacks continuing and 13 Schools, colleges damaged.


Yesterday, a delegation led by noted film maker Mahesh Bhatt med the United Nations High Commission on Refugees along with hundred of Christian victims from Orissa and demanded the refugee status to 50000 homeless Christians. In the delegation includes, Dr. Abraham Mathai from the Voice of Indian Christian and Dr. John Dayal – Secretary General of All India Christian Council.


In other parts of the country:


BIHAR: 1 Church damaged; CHHATTISGARH: 4 Nuns assaulted; JHARKHAND: 1 Church attacked and attempted ‘reconversion’ of Christians; KARNATAKA: 4 (of 29) Districts affected, 19 Churches damaged or destroyed, still attacks continues, 20 Nuns, women injured by police; KERALA: 4 Churches damaged; MADHYA PRADESH: 4 Churches destroyed or damaged and 4 schools vandalized; NEW DELHI: 2 Churches damaged; PUNJAB: 3 Christians harassed and imprisoned by police on false charges; TAMIL NADU: 4 Churches damaged; UTTAR PRADESH: 3 Pastors and a pastor’s wife beaten; and UTTARAKHAND: 2 Christians murdered (priest and employee).


The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia. org), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

Release by

Madhu Chandra

Regional Secretary,

aicc, New Delhi

(+919868184939)

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