Kolkata, Nov. 3 -- Bangiya Christiya Pariseba, the East and North Eastern India chapter of the All India Christian Council, has announced a state-level prayer rally in Kolkata on November 5, alleging a series of attacks, harassment and vandalism targeting the Christian community across West Bengal over the past four months.
The organisation claimed that the Institute for Healing and Leadership had recorded 65 incidents of violence, harassment and vandalism in recent months, while BCP had independently received reports of 47 additional incidents.
It alleged that victims managed to lodge FIRs in only 15 cases despite facing police reluctance, intimidation and pressure.
Meanwhile, a people's tribunal jointly organised by Karwan-e-Mohabbat, Sabar Institute and Amra Ek Sachetan Prayas on Monday heard 15 testimonies from victims and experts concerning alleged mob attacks, police inaction and false charges against Christians. On Tuesday, the second day of the tribunal, the panel continued hearing accounts of alleged abuses against minority communities.
Thousands of people from different districts are expected to attend the rally. Three prayer processions will begin simultaneously at noon from Howrah, Sealdah and Birla Planetarium before converging at R R Avenue for a joint prayer assembly.
Archbishop Joseph D'Souza, president of the All India Christian Council, Rev Samaresh Naik, National Secretary of the National Council of Baptist Churches, and representatives of church bodies from 11 eastern and northeastern states are expected to participate.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.