NHRC seeks report from UP Govt on news item on Christians

"The Commission observed that the contents of the news item are shocking and hoped that the government of Uttar Pradesh has already taken some action on it," the notice said.

The item quoted a local leader of the Bajrang Dal from the Braj region (around Mathura) allegedly declaring Christians being "bigger enemies than Muslims" and also that "his organisation was ready to fight wherever Church institutions were active".

"Maar-peet to kya, hum sab kuchch karne ke liye taiyarhain

(we are prepared to use violence. There is no limit)," the item quoted the leader as saying.

NHRC had already issued notices to the Centre and all State and Union Territory governments and sought reports within two weeks on measures taken and action plan drawn to meet the situation in view of several incidents of attacks on Christians and their institutions.

The Commission’s decision to issue notices to Union Home Ministry and Chief Secretaries "is based on the need to take a holistic view as well as to inspire requisite confidence amongst the people of Christian community who appear to be feeling insecure at this time," NHRC had said.