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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Several Indians inducted into Russian Army remain missing: Report
New Delhi: In a concerning development, several Indians who were illegally enlisted in the Russian Army and forcibly sent to the war zone on the Russia-Ukraine border are reportedly still missing.
According to a report published by The Hindu on Sunday, citing communication from the Ministry of External Affairs and statements from the families of two missing men, Mohammad Amin Sheikh, a 65-year-old resident of Kupwara in Tangdhar, Jammu and Kashmir, said that his 27-year-old son, Zahoor Sheikh, last contacted the family on December 31, 2023.
Amin Sheikh mentioned that his son said that he was going for training and would not be available for the next three months on phone. “But when we started getting news about the deaths of Indians in Russia in January, we got worried and called on his number. We could not reach him. We are yet to hear from him,” Sheikh, a retired Inspector from the Public Health Department in Jammu and Kashmir, was quoted as saying by the publication.
Last week, Mohammad Amin Sheikh and his two other sons travelled to New Delhi to seek answers from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Russian Embassy after the Indian Embassy in Moscow failed to give them information about Zahoor Sheikh.
“We submitted a petition at the Russian Embassy,” 31-year-old Aijaz Amin, Zahoor Sheikh’s elder brother, told The Hindu. “They said they are looking into the matter. The MEA officials said that at least 15 Indians are still missing and though the Russian government is cooperative, their commanders on the ground are not responsive,” he added.
Zahoor had travelled to Russia after he came across a YouTube video promising the job of a security helper in Russia. Instead, he was reportedly deceived into joining the Russian Army.
Similarly, 30-year-old Mandeep, from Jalandhar in Punjab, has been missing since March. His brother, Jagdeep Kumar, also arrived in Delhi, looking for answers from the government about his sibling's whereabouts.
“We last spoke on March 3. He initially went to Armenia and was supposed to go to Italy from there in search of work. Instead, he was tricked by an agent to go to Russia and was forced to join the Russian Army. He was sent to the war zone after a few days of training,” Kumar told The Hindu.
Kumar said he met officials from the External Affairs Ministry in the capital city, who told him that at least 25 Indians were reported missing in Russia.
