Shillong, Aug 9: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has strongly condemned a recent mob attack on Catholic priests and nuns in Jaleswar, Odisha.
The UDP said the violent act, allegedly carried out by Bajrang Dal members, was fuelled by false accusations of religious conversion, and is a disturbing reminder of the growing intolerance and extremism in our Country.
“We demand immediate action against the perpetrators, regardless of their affiliations, and guarantee protection for priests, nuns, and Christian institutions, especially in sensitive areas,” UDP General Secretary Titosstar Well Chyne said.
The party has urged the Centre and the Odisha government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents and uphold the constitutional values of religious freedom and human dignity and to protect the rights of the minority communities.
The UDP emphasised the need for action against the attackers and protection for the Christian community.
“The UDP stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, praying for their speedy recovery and reassuring them of our commitment to justice and peace,” the party statement said.
Vehicles carrying a group of Christian nuns and priests were stopped on a road by a group in Odisha’s Balasore district on the suspicion of conducting forced conversion.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening when they were returning from Gangadhar village in Basta area.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India has condemned the incident, urging the Centre and state governments to take strict action against “fringe groups” involved in attacks against Christian minorities in several parts of the country.
