After the recent statements made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on mother Teresa, along with the vandalism and destruction of church properties in Delhi, Christian organisations across the city came together to form a human chain on March 14. At 6pm, the event began from Churchgate, Dahisar and even Navi Mumbai, where arterial roads saw people dressed in white to protest religious intolerance.
After the recent statements made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on mother Teresa, along with the vandalism and destruction of church properties in Delhi, Christian organisations across the city came together to form a human chain on March 14. At 6pm, the event began from Churchgate, Dahisar and even Navi Mumbai, where arterial roads saw people dressed in white to protest religious intolerance.
A shout out was given to all faiths, churches and institutions via social media to join them in the protest which urged the government to stop the hate campaign and focus on development and good governance.
The shout out read that owing to an increasing number of crimes perpetrated on the minorities and communalization of the country by certain groups, citizens at large wish to express their hurt feelings.
"Hence, the human chain is being planned as a form of peaceful protest and to send a strong message to the government to address the situation. Since white is a colour symbolizing peace, participants of the human chain may wear white as part of their attire," it said.
Speaking for the people of Mumbai, it read: "We have seen hatred and bloodshed in our city, (and) pledge that we will not give in to demonization of religions and to those who preach war, violence, hatred and intolerance.
We undertake to keep Mumbai a city that is peaceful and united. We commit to building a world based on the principles of tolerance and peace, equality and justice."
Willie Shirsat, a member of the 'church in the city' body which has civic and political cells in churches across the city, said: "Unity in the country is of paramount importance for the progress and peace of its citizens. Divisive politics and communalization of the country is taking the country backward. All religions are paths towards one and the same God and focus should be on maintaining peace and harmony in the country. The Christian community is docile and needs to come out of the four walls of the church to change the quality of life they wish to have."
Secretary of the United Christians of Mumbai and CRUPA, Cyril Dara was looking after the South Mumbai points from Churchgate to Parel, and said that church bells would ring at the beginning and end of the protest. "We wish to convey the message of unity in diversity. We will be holding banners and placards not just for our community but for everybody. The PM's own men are making comments reeking of religious intolerance. We do not want any comments against any religion," he added.
What they expect
1. Government must take responsibility and strongly admonish individuals and groups who are creating communal divide in the country.
2. Punishment of those responsible for attacks on minorities and their institutions, which is also an attack on the multi-cultural body politic of India.
3. Swift, transparent and credible trial and punishment for all those involved in such activities whatever the religion they may profess.
4. A comprehensive Communal Violence Bill in place of the one pending in the Parliament.
5. Immediate implementation of police reforms, providing equipment and training, basic service conditions to police personnel and state security forces. Active facilitation of community participation in security and intelligence gathering.
6. Evolve a policy for legal action against hate speech and demonization of any religion or community.
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