8 months ago
Protests Against Christmas Attacks in Mumbai
In Mumbai, people gathered in Goregaon to protest against hate and intimidation targeting Christian communities during Christmas.
They held signs and stood silently to show their support for religious freedom and to condemn the attacks.
Leaders from Christian groups and other community members spoke about how these attacks are becoming more common and how they threaten the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
They called for stronger action to protect these rights and for public figures to speak out against the violence.
The protest was organized by groups like the Samvidhan Jaagar Yatra Samiti and The Bombay Catholic Sabha, and it included people from different backgrounds who all wanted to stand up for peace and constitutional governance.
Meanwhile, incidents of disruption and violence during Christmas celebrations were reported in several states, highlighting a broader issue of rising intolerance and the need for political authorities to take stronger action.
Citizens and Christian groups protested in Goregaon, Mumbai, against religious intimidation and attacks on Christian communities during the Christmas season.
The protest was organized by the Samvidhan Jaagar Yatra Samiti (SJYS) and The Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS).
Protestors condemned what they described as a 'systematic assault on constitutional freedoms,' including the freedom of conscience and the right to worship without fear.
Christian groups warned that attacks on Christian communities are becoming increasingly normalized, with little immediate intervention.
Notable participants included Dolphy D’Souza, Teesta Setalvad, Alex Dsouza, Professor Arvind Nigle, Sridhar Shelar, Iqbal Shaikh, Samir Desai, and Norbert Mendonca.
- Who
- Citizens, Christian groups, and civil society representatives
- What
- Protest against religious intimidation and attacks on Christian communities during the Christmas season
- Where
- Goregaon, Mumbai
- When
- Friday evening
- Why
- To condemn incidents of hate and intimidation targeting Christian communities and to highlight the normalization of such attacks
Christian Community and Supporters
Extremist Elements
Incidents of Attacks
Christian Community and Supporters
Condemn the attacks as highly condemnable and a disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence against Christians during a major religious festival.
Extremist Elements
Allegedly accused of harassing Christian women and children wearing Santa Claus caps, allegedly accusing them of engaging in religious conversion.
Government Action
Christian Community and Supporters
Urged both the central and state governments to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities.
Extremist Elements
No direct stance mentioned, but the incidents reflect a lack of swift and strong condemnation from political authorities.
Key facts
- Location
- Goregaon, Mumbai
- Organizers
- Samvidhan Jaagar Yatra Samiti (SJYS) and The Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS)
- Date
- Friday evening
- Key Issues
- Hate, intimidation, and attacks on Christian communities
- Constitutional Freedoms
- Freedom of conscience, right to profess and practise religion, right to worship without fear
- Notable Participants
- Dolphy D’Souza, Teesta Setalvad, Alex Dsouza, Professor Arvind Nigle, Sridhar Shelar, Iqbal Shaikh, Samir Desai, Norbert Mendonca
- National Context
- Incidents of disruption and violence during Christmas celebrations reported in multiple states including Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Odisha
- Political Response
- Lack of swift and strong condemnation from political authorities
Timeline
Right-wing groups stormed religious spaces, sparking Hinduphobia claims and protests.
Then, attacks on Christmas decorations, including St. Mary's School, fueled outrage.
Outfits threatened a petrol pump owner in Pune, igniting city-wide protests.
Mumbai's Goregaon citizens and Christian groups held a silent protest against religious intimidation.
Protests condemn right-wing attacks during Christmas season.
Quotes
Diocese of Mangalore
A religious organization in India
“Such incidents have caused deep pain to the Christian community, which continues to place faith in constitutional principles and democratic values.”
theprint.in
“These acts are not only against a particular community but are against the spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution.”
theprint.in
Roy Castelino
Public Relations Officer of the Diocese of Mangalore
“These incidents are highly condemnable and reflect a disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence against Christians during a major religious festival.”
theprint.in
Sources
Deve Gowda hails PM for joining Christmas service
Diocese of Mangalore condemns attacks on Christians during Christmas, seeks govt action
Christmas Message Of Love And Harmony Undermined By Rising Intolerance, Targeted Disruptions And The Silence Of Political Authority
DC Edit | Whither Christmas? ’Tis The Gory Season
Christmas-related attacks: Protest held in Mumbai; Teesta Setalvad takes part
Rising attacks on Christians in India are not good for its global image
Shobhaa De | Mumbai On Verge Of Being Bartered To Highest Bidder?
Mumbai News: Citizens And Christian Groups Rally In Goregaon To Protest Religious Intimidation And Attacks During Christmas Season
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