Bengaluru Archbishop welcomes Karnataka government’s move to repeal anti-conversion law
Bengaluru: Archbishop of Bengaluru diocese, Dr. Peter Machado on Thursday commended and welcomed the Karnataka government's move to repeal the Anti-Conversion law that was passed by the previous BJP government. Machado who also serves as the President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops' Council and All Karnataka United Forum for Christian Human Rights, has expressed his appreciation on behalf of the entire Christian community in the state, read a press release.
"The repeal of this highly contentious bill stands as a commendable and crucial step towards upholding fundamental rights," stated the Archbishop, highlighting that it supports the unwavering stance adopted by the Church and the Christian community.
He further elaborated, stating, "It reaffirms our unwavering belief that this legislation not only infringed upon the freedom of religion for individuals but also directly contradicted the provisions enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Article 25 guarantees the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion, which is an indispensable right for maintaining a society that embraces diversity and pluralism. Christians will steadfastly continue their endeavors within the framework of the Indian Constitution, serving the state and the nation, while extending their outreach to all individuals, regardless of caste and creed, with a special emphasis on uplifting the impoverished and marginalized."
According to the Bishop, the anti-conversion bill had led to an increase in attacks on Christians, its provisions also encouraged fringe elements to cause harm to the community . Its presence fueled doubts, mistrust, and disharmony between communities. The Archbishop expressed hope in other states following the suit to promote harmony among the societ.
Recognizing the complexities involved in repealing a law, the Christian community remains hopeful and confident that all concerned parties will extend the necessary support at various stages of the process. This collaborative effort is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and the complete withdrawal of the anti-conversion bill, the release added.
Expressing his gratitude, Machado said he appreciates the government of Karnataka for its courage and decisiveness in repealing the act. “The acknowledgment of the concerns raised by the Christian Community and the subsequent action taken to rectify the situation are commendable.” This progressive step will contribute to fostering an atmosphere of religious harmony, tolerance, and respect for all faiths within the state, he added.
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Assam flood situation critical, 24.50 lakh affected in 30 districts
Guwahati (PTI): Assam's flood situation remained critical on Saturday with over 24.50 lakh people reeling under the deluge in 30 districts and major rivers flowing above the danger mark at several places, an official bulletin said.
The toll in this year's flood was 52 and 12 others lost their lives due to landslides and storms.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with officials late on Friday after returning from the severely affected Dibrugarh district and reviewed the flood situation in the state.
''After visiting flood-affected areas of Dibrugarh, we reviewed several matters, including Assam Arogya Nidhi-a health financial assistance scheme," the chief minister said.
Sarma also said he has specifically asked the officials to ''prioritise rarest of rare cases and applications from those who are not covered under any existing scheme''.
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The chief minister said after interacting with the flood-hit people, he had sent messages to officials to address their problems.
"For us, proactive governance is the key to effective public service," he said.
On the supply of clean drinking water, he said while the flood has caused considerable damage across the state, the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme has come out as a ''silver lining in these tough times''.
''The transformative water supply project is supplying clean drinking water in these tough times'', he said.
Cachar, Kamrup, Hailakandi, Hojai, Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, Goalpara, Barpeta, Dibrugarh, Nalbari, Dhemaji, Bongaigaon, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Sonitpur, Kokrajhar, Karimganj, South Salmara, Darrang and Tinsukia are among the districts affected by the flood.
The toll in this year's flood, landslides and storms was 64, according to the bulletin of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Dhubri with a population of 7,75,721, Darrang with 1,86,108, Cachar with 1,75,231, Barpeta with 1,39,399 and Morigaon with 1,46,045 are among the worst-hit districts, it said.
Altogether 47,103 affected people have taken shelter in 612 camps, while 4,18,614 inmates in non-relief camps have been provided with relief materials.
Flood in urban areas of three districts of Kamrup (Metropolitan), Kamrup and Dibrugarh was also reported.
Cabinet ministers are also camping in various flood-affected districts.
Sarma said he and his entire team are on the ground to ''assess the damage caused by the floods".
"We are working tirelessly to hear people's grievances and solve their issues," the chief minister said.
The Brahmaputra river is flowing above the danger mark at Nimatighat, Guwahati, Goalpara and Dhubri.
Its tributaries Burhi Dihing at Chenimari, Dikhou at Sivasagar, Disang at Nanglamuraghat, Dhansiri at Numaligarh, Jia Bharali at NT Road crossing, and Kopili at Kampur and Dharamtul are also flowing above the danger levels.
The Barak river is flowing above the danger mark at AP Ghat, BP Ghat, Chota Bakra and Fuletral, and its tributaries Dhaleswari at Gharmura, Katakhal at Matizuri and Kushiyara at Karimganj town.
Infrastructure damaged by the floods includes 225 roads and 10 bridges among others, the bulletin added.
VIDEO | Assam flood: 95 forest camp areas of Kaziranga National Park remain flooded but water is subsiding gradually.
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