Preserve communal harmony

It seems that attacks on Christians have become the order of the day. The atrocities carried out by Hindu fundamentalists against the Christian community in Orissa is a direct blow to our national unity and secular credentials. In Orissa hundreds of Christians have been chased away and many have been killed or are missing because of the violence. The situation in Karnataka is not different. On July 13, Hindu fundamentalists disrupted a morning prayer service at the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Davangere district and attacked the believers who were present. On July 20, another church in the same district was targeted. In both these States the police was completely inept in tackling the situation. The Union and State Governments should be more vigilant and deal firmly to curb this violence. There should be a concerted effort to create a cordial atmosphere wherein minority community members do not feel threatened.
KA Solaman