Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)
Belagavi, Dec 18: Indian Christian Union, on Friday December 17, observed symbolic hunger strike on Friday December 17, opposing the proposed anti-conversion law and condemning the attack and atrocities happening on the community.
They had organized the strike near the Suvarna Garden next to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha where they spent time singing eulogies. They charged the state government of following anti-Christian policies.
The protestors said that an effort to suppress the Christian community through the anti-conversion law is being made and the liberty to propagate one's religion is being interfered with. They expressed the suspicion that moral policing will increase after the law is passed. "Already attacks on churches and Christians are increasing, and these will get further fillip in the coming days. These things have increased after BJP rose to power," they stated.
Bishop of the diocese, Derick Fernandes, expressed the apprehension that miscreants may take law into their hands and indulge in moral policing. He said that the reverence of priests is being sullied and violence is resorted to. He said that irrespective of animosity and hatred the Christians face, they continue to love the others.
District superintendent of Methodist Central Church, Rev Nandakumar, said that when the bill is moved in the house, the Lord will work in favour of the Christian community. He said that his community will remain quiet and warned about the chances of violence against them increasing.
Opposition leader, Siddaramaiah Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president, Satish Jarkiholi, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee women's wing president Pushpa Amarnath and youth wing leader Mohammad Nalapad expressed solidarity with the Christian community.
Minister Shivaram Hebbar who received the petition, promised to bring it to the notice of the chief minister.
Former MLA, Ivan D'Souza, Indian Christian Union state president,Prashant Jathanna, former minister, K J George, MLA, Raje Gowda, Vijay Singh, Prakssh Rathod and other leaders were present.