Judicial commission slams Evangelists in Karnataka

Bangalore: The attacks against churches in Karnataka in 2008 is as a result of intense conversion agenda implemented by Missionaries and there is no any organised attempt by Sangh Pariwar in it as projected by Anti Hindu Media and Congress – as per the reports submitted by the Justice BK Somasekara Commission.    

Circulation of derogatory literature with “insulting attitude” against Hindus and issues of conversion by a few organisations and “self-styled pastors” were provocations behind the attacks.
The panel gave the clean chit to Roman Catholic churches too, saying they did not engage in any conversion activity.

Absolving the State Government and police of any role, the Justice BK Somasekara Commission said, “There is no basis for the apprehension of Christian petitioners that BJP, Sangh Parivar and the State Government, directly or indirectly, were involved in the attacks.”

In a significant reference, the commission in its highlights states that there were clear indications of conversions attempts in seven districts by a few organisations and “self-appointed pastors” with “inducements”.

“There are clear indications of conversions to Christianity in the districts of Bangalore, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bellary, Davanagere, Chikkamgaluru and Udupi by a few organisations and self-appointed pastors with the help of unaccounted funds from the foreign country,” the report states.
It seeks legislation to regulate Christian places of worship, like that of Hindus and Muslims under Article 25 of the Constitution.

“The demand of Hindus for a suitable legislation to prevent practices detrimental to the interests of their religion is justified. The suggestion of the Government advocates, police and Hindu leaders to bring Christian places of worship under the ambit of legislations that are applicable to religious places of Hindus and Muslims is well-founded and accepted,” the report states.

The report said the attacks “deeply affected” relations between Christians and Hindus who now suspect each other.

The commission which during its two-year enquiry received 1,000 petitions and examined 800 witnesses said “some incidents of attack are true, some self inflicted, some make believe, some blown out of proportion and some totally politicised.”

The commission said it was true that some persons involved in conversions were getting funds from some sources including foreign countries and misused it for mass conversions of innocent and helpless members of weaker sections.

In this context, the commission favoured stringent financial check and audit of the activities of pastors.

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