The Hindu

Bangalore, Sep 16: S.R. Nayak, chairman of the Karnataka Human Rights Commission (KHRC), pleaded helplessness and blamed shortage of staff when Christian rights activists asked why he had not initiated action against the perpetrators of violence against Christians in the State.

Making a brief appearance at a discussion on “Human rights violations and the role of the human rights Commission and Karnataka State Minority Commission,” organised by the Karnataka Christian Social Welfare Association (KCSWA) here on Monday, Mr. Nayak said: “I am not authorised to take any action as I only head a commission.”

When questioned further, Mr. Nayak said he had not received any complaints from Christian institutions and that he “cannot take suo motu action.”

Over 100 persons, including a sizeable number of nuns, attended the meeting that was held in a cramped corridor of the Legislators’ Home.

H.T. Sangliana, MP for Bangalore North, said that the community “must be alert” as violence and attacks on Christian institutions could intensify after Dasara. He said there was need for the community to be watchful and to report all atrocities.

Mr. Sangliana said he had written to the Government last month cautioning it about such attacks, but no action had been taken.

Home Minister V.S. Acharya “has been denying the involvement of the Sangh Parivar. He is not fit to be the Home Minister,” the MP remarked.

“The Sangh Parivar has an agenda, which is to prevent people from converting to Christianity. This goes against the United Nations Charter on human rights which says that everyone has the right to change their religion if he or she so wishes,” he said.

Conversion

The Sangh Parivar was focussing its accusations on a single point, which was conversion, said F.T.R. Colaso, former Director-General of Police.

“What gives anyone the right to destroy homes and churches? They are the criminals, not us. As a former Director-General Police, I feel ashamed of the police for their inaction in curbing these unlawful acts,” he said.

The practice and propagation of religion was every citizen’s right, Mr. Colaso pointed out.

“In the last few months, as the BJP has formed the government, the fundamental rights of Christians are not being protected. The number of attacks against Christians and Christian institutions in the State has been on the rise,” he said.

He demanded that the Chief Minister call a meeting to give the Christian community assurance of safety.

‘Entry denied’

Despite permission having been granted to the Karnataka Christian Social Welfare Association to hold a meeting at the Legislators’ Home, members of the organisation were denied entry to the conference hall, activists alleged.

The meeting, on human rights violations, was held in a narrow passageway outside the hall. K.J. George, MLA, said that his application for the use of the hall had been sent four days ago.

Estate Officer, Legislators’ Home, Jayathirtha Galagali told The Hindu that he was “not aware of any meeting.”

Mr. Galagali said: “There should be no political meetings here. For sensitive meetings such as these, permission has to be taken from the Speaker.”