Attacks on Christians on the rise: Justice Saldanha

Transparency International India (TII) chairman and former judge of Bombay and Karnataka high courts Justice MF Saldanha said attacks on Christians are on the rise in the state. “Communal disharmony has never been so palpable since 1947. Attacks on pastors and churches are increasing,” he said.

On Friday, Justice Saldanha said the coastal region became a flashpoint of communal disharmony. “In one function, RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who is accused of instigating communal clashes in Uppinangadi and Sulya regions, was shaking hands with chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda. Bhat, against whom criminal cases are pending, inaugurated the police commissionerate in Karavali.

“He made statements such as: do not worship weapons during ayudha pooja as you will have to use them against Muslims and Christians. If such a person inaugurates police commissionerate, where is hope for people?” he said.

All India Council for Christians (AICC) secretary pastor Anand Kumar said three weeks ago a group of people attacked Christians who were praying and nine women suffered injuries.

Another incident was reported in Karwar where a priest was stripped. The police hushed up the incident without registering a case, he alleged.