10 yrs after Godhra: Christians moved out to move on

Even a  decade after the 2002 riots, the wound are yet to heal.

In the midst of communal riots, the Christian community which largely remained unaffected due to their religion are now witnessing a shift in their approach.

Although the post-Godhra riots were essentially about Hindus vs Muslims, the Christians too were affected. The walled city which boasted of a dominant Catholic presence in St Josephs colony and in parts like Gomtipur and Mirzapur has moved out. The western part of the city has become their new hub. Statistically, almost 65% of them have moved to western parts of the city.

According to the Bishop of Ahmedabad diocese, Thomas Macwan, “The Christian community helped out those who were in trouble, whether Hindu or Muslim. But they moved out from the walled city to the western side because of two reasons — the fear and economic mobility,” he said.

The families which have moved out from the walled city, sold their houses to the Muslims, who preferred these locations, he said.

“Every now and then, riots would break out. The families were afraid that children would inherit violent ways,” said Father Joseph Appaeoo, now heading the parish in Hansol, about the migration of the community.