Attack on Christians: Gujarat Govt fails to act despite warning

Before the rally day, the Manch distributed pamphlets which talked of “teaching Christian priests a lesson”. A Manch spokesman was reported by newspapers as having said that his activists would resort to “violence, if necessary”, because Christians were defaming the Hindus for the “so-called attacks on their community”.

Apprehensive Christians complained to the government. TheChief Minister, in his Christmas greetings, assured that his “government was committed to protecting the life and property of all people”. Director General of Police C P Singh and District Magistrate Bharat Joshi echoed the CM’s assurances. Yet, violence took place. Reports say that inflammatory speeches were made and provocative slogans raised at the Manch rally. According to the Collector, the trouble began when some people stoned the rally. The Manch activists went on a rampage, attacked a local Christian school, beat up some persons, and smashed window panes.

Later, in the evening, another school and a church was ransacked at Subir village, about 30 km away, and a jeep and motorcycle were burnt. Two churches were set afire at Jhamlapara and Gadvi. Some Christian houses were set afire at Naragkhari, far away from the place of the initial trouble. Although police reinforcements have been rushed to the area, tension prevails. The VHP and the Bajrang Dal have threatened retaliation against Christians,alleging that they attacked some temples. However, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) V V R Subbarao said he had no such reports. The incidents have shaken the Christians. Said Father Cedric Prakash, Co-ordinator of the United Christian Forum for Human Rights (Gujarat), recently formed by various Christian organisations, “Whatever little hope we had from the Gujarat government is disappearing. We are scared”.

No senior leader of the ruling party or the government was available for comment. While the CM was away on a tour, BJP general secretary Gordhanbhai Jadaphiya and party spokesman Bharat Pandya were away attending an RSS camp. The DGP was also not in town.

The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) drew consolation from the fact that such rallies took place at other places also, but nothing untoward happened because the government had taken sufficient measures. Those involved in the “unfortunate incident” at Ahwa won’t be spared, he said. But a senior police officer said the incident was the result ofgovernment leniency given to the Hindutva hotheads. “Why couldn’t the government disallow the rally? The district magistrate has powers to deal with such elements. Why didn’t he use these powers?”, the officer said.

According to Chhabildas Mehta, former CM and Congress leader, the incident clearly showed that “either the writ of the Chief Minister does not run, or he is conniving. After all, why such incidents are taking place so often in Gujarat?”

Shankersinh Vaghela, former chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Party president, had no doubt that the CM was “deliberately ignoring” such activities. Meanwhile, the Manch has planned a similar rally at Umarkhadi on Sunday.

No police chief

The Dang district, where the violence took place on Friday, is without a district police chief for “at least four months”. According to a senior officer, the last District Superintendent of Police was Nirja G Rao. After she was transferred, the government posted an officer, but he did not join. The chargeof the district is held by a deputy superintendent of police R M Gaikwad. Now the government has sent the DSP of neighbouring Navsari district for the time being. Surat range IG O P Mathur is also camping there.