Public hearing on crimes against Christians

NT Correspondent

A public hearing to acknowledge and reckon with the impact of the “dramatic increase in hate crimes” against the Christian community in Karnataka was conducted. The hearing was organised by Samvidhana Samrakshana Chaluvali on Friday against the “authorities turning a blind eye” to these crimes perpetrated under the false pretext of forced conversions. Amid protests in the state, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Freedom of Religion Bill 2021, all of which has created and exacerbated an environment of hate, according to organisers of the event.

In this regard, victims belonging to the Christian community travelled from Kunigal, Koppal, Chikkaballapur, Udupi and Karkala to share their opinion of surviving assaults before the jury.

A pastor from Kunigal said, “In my village, there is a crippling sense of fear within the Christian community. I was warned multiple times that my life is in danger. Though I have intimated the authorities, no action has been taken.”

Another woman from Udupi shared the testimony of being falsely accused and even spending four days in jail. She highlighted the impact of such violence even long after the attack. “The physical and mental torture that we undergo haunts us every day. Our photos and videos were all over the news, painted as criminal masterminds who want to forcefully convert Hindus,” she said.

“A mob blocked the road to my house with large rocks. This made it difficult for us to access medical care. When friends come visiting us, they slash tyres of their vehicles. How do we transport our agricultural produce? Is this punishment for being a believer of Jesus Christ,” she added.

Pastor Lucas provided an overall picture of the attacks on the Christian community for merely praying. He highlighted the complicity of the police in most cases where FIRs were registered against them instead of the perpetrators. He said, “Sec 295 A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, is routinely violated to incarcerate us,” he said.

After this, members of the jury shared their remarks and resolved to produce a report to give concrete recommendations to the government, media and judiciary. Dr Sylvia thanked the victims for sharing their testimonies.