Anti-Christian violence in Karnataka

The Anti-Christian violence in Karnataka, 2008 includes a wave of attacks directed against Christian churches and prayer halls in Karnataka by the Bajrang Dal, with the ruling BJP government accused of involvement. [ [http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Sep192008/scroll2008091990873.asp?section=frontpagenews UPA govt puts State on notice] Deccan Herald - September 19, 2008] [ [http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=93849 Opposition seeks dismissal of BJP Govt] Mangalorean.com - September 19, 2008] [ [http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20080918/814/tnl-bjp-govt-soft-on-bajrang-dal-probes.html BJP Govt soft on Bajrang Dal, probes church funding] Yahoo! India - September 18, 2008]

The violence

On 14 September 2008, about 20 churches were vandalized in Mangalore, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and in other districts of Karnataka. The Assailants had damaged Catholic Churches, Protestant churches and Kingdom halls belonging to Jehovah’s Witnesses groups. The violence soon spread to Kolar, Dakshina Kannada and minor damage was reported from the state border of Kasargod in Kerala. http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13221&size=A ] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm] [ [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/BJP-Govt-soft-on-Bajrang-Dal--probes-church-funding/362741 BJP Govt soft on Bajrang Dal, probes church] The Indian Express - September 20, 2008]

On 15 september, Violence erupted in the aftermath of serial attacks on churches and missionary prayer halls in coastal areas of Karnataka escalated on Monday as four persons were attacked and Christians resorted to violent protests in which more than 40 persons were injured. [ [http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=469377&sid=NAT] ]

On 21 September, two more churches in Bangalore were attacked. Iron rods were used to break into a church in Mariyannana Palya. The eucharist was desecrated, and furniture damaged. The donation chest was broken, and Rs. 1,00000 stolen. In all, the cost of the damage was Rs. 18,00000.The second attack took place in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in west Bangalore. The statue of Virgin Mary outside a church was damaged as some people pelted stones. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7628740.stm More Karnataka churches attacked] BBC - September 22, 2008 ] [ [http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=223434 Fresh attacks on churches] The Statesman - September 22, 2008 ] .

The attacks started in response to the allegation by the Bajrang Dal, that New Life Fellowship Trust‘s distribution of a book, which accused of having some comments against two Hindu Gods and forcing conversion that irked Hindutva advocates in Karnataka. [http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=add&sectid=3&contentid=200809192008091903361675194568d35&subsite=0] However, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese clarified that the Catholic Church has not involved in any forceful religious conversion. [http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/16/stories/2008091659220300.htm] .

Bajrang Dal's involvement

Mahendra Kumar, the state convener for the youth wing Bajrang Dal group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms] He was later arrested on September 20, after the state government was sternly admonished by the Centre. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/State_will_arrest_Mahendra_Kumar_/articleshow/3501029.cms] [ [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Ktaka_Bajrang_Dal_convener_held/articleshow/3502563.cms Attack on churches: Karnataka cops arrest Bajrang Dal convener] The Times of India - September 20, 2008]

The Bajrang Dal group claims that Hindus are being illegally converted to Christianity in the area. They claim that the christian missionaries are running a large scale conversion program with a long term plan to divide India on the basis of religion. The ban on catholic church in China is quoted as an example of the intentions of the church. However, the recent anti-Christian violence in Karnataka and Orissa have led to calls for a ban on Bajrang Dal and another militant cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/835387.stm|title="Hindu militant faces court"|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2000-07-15] cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1166055.stm|title="Militant Hindu Valentine threat"|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2001-02-12] Hindu organisation, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP, World Hindu Council). [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm More church attacks in Karnataka] BBC - September 17, 2008] [ [http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092255981300.htm Gowda demands ban on Bajrang Dal, Srirama Sena] The Hindu - September 22, 2008]

Government faces criticism

BS Yeddyurappa, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, said the attacks were provoked by conversions of Hindus to Christianity. He also alleged that a Protestant group had distributed literature which insulted Hindu gods. The Chief Minister however clarified that he was not defending the actions of those who attacked prayer halls and churches in Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur on Sunday. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7621590.stm More church attacks in Karnataka] BBC - September 17, 2008] Later, the Christian leaders denied it and commented that BJP was inciting violence rather than working to calm the situation. On the other hand, the Center Government had strongly criticized and sent showcase notices to the state Government for not solving the issue effectively. [ [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008