IMC Condemns attack on Christian supported hospital

April 15, 2003

The Federation of India Christian Organizations of North America, in conjunction with the Indian Muslim Council-USA and several other Washington, DC based advocacy groups, expresses its concern over the attack on a Christian hospital in Western India.

According to the Associated Press article, supporters of the extremist group World Hindu Council smashed windows and damaged the doors of a medical center in a village in Gujarat, preventing the hospital from holdings in opening ceremony.

Washington D.C.-based Operation Mobilization International donated the money to build the health center through its India chapter, which has worked on education and public health projects in India since the mid-1970s.

International groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused the Indian government of failing to curb violence by Hindu hard-line groups against Muslim and Christian minorities living in the state.

The attack on the hospital follows a series of events that have targeted Christians in Gujarat. Earlier this year, the Gujarat state government conducted mandatory surveys of Christians, subjecting Christians to humiliating and offensive questions like “When did you convert?” and “Will your children be Christian?”

The undersigned groups call for an immediate investigation on the hospital attack and for a greater state protection of India’s minority groups.

Endorsed by:

Indian Muslim Council-USA (www.imc-usa.org)
Federation of India Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA)
Policy Institute for Religion and State (PIFRAS)

For More information, contact:

PD John
Policy Institute for Religion and State
(202) 547-4700

Zahir Janmohamed
Indian Muslim Council-USA
info@imc-usa.org
(202) 368-8914