BJP and RSS Suspected in Attacks on Christian Priests and Nuns

September 26, 2004

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3691786.stm

On September 26, 2004 the BBC News reported, "Police in the southern Indian state of Kerala have detained 15 people following two attacks on nuns and priests of the Missionaries of Charity. The three priests and six nuns were reportedly attacked in separate incidences on the outskirts of Kozhikode on Saturday. A representative of Indian Christians has blamed the attacks on members of right-wing Hindu political parties. Kerala's chief minister has promised to act against those responsible. The national convenor of the Bangalore-based Global Council for Indian Christians Sajan K George said members of the right-wing Hindu parties Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were behind the attack. Mr. George said the attackers had raised banners with slogans in favour of RSS and BJP when they attacked the nuns, accusing them of converting Dalit Hindus. He also said state officials had been slow in responding to such incidents and last month's murder of a Christian priest is yet to be solved."