Culture of impunity
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has underlined the need to investigate the activities of extremist organisations in India responsible for instigating violence and failings of law enforcement authorities to respond to such violence.
Its briefing, ‘Communalism, anti-Christian violence and the law’, focuses on the aftermath of communal violence in the east Indian state of Orissa in 2008, and the ‘regular, frequent attacks’ on Christians concentrated in six other states, typically in the form of well-targeted mob violence.
CSW argues that the government should address systemic problems underlying this violence, and that a proposed law to deal with communal violence should not be passed unless further, meaningful consultation is held with affected communities.
CSW also called for the repeal of anti-conversion laws in force in five states, saying they are unnecessary, contrary to international law, and have a damaging effect on religious minorities. Additionally, the penalisation of Dalits who change religion should also be redressed.
