Christian groups plan rally timed with Manmohan's US visit

A group of organisations representing Christians of Indian-origin are planning to hold a peace rally here coinciding with the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to demand "decisive action" to stop the ongoing religious violence in two Indian states.

To be held in the Layfayette Park opposite the White House on September 25, when Singh is scheduled to meet President George Bush, the rally and prayer vigil for the victims of violence in Orissa and Karnataka will demand that the Indian government take action to "put an end to the church burnings in India".

The coalition of organisations will include the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), Indian American Catholic Association (IACA), Indian Christian Forum (ICF), The Jubilee Campaign, the Institute for Religion and Public Policy, Christian Solidarity International and few other local and international groups.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government suffers from "inaction" in stopping the violence against Christians for almost a month, John Prabhudoss of the FIACONA said in a statement.

"We are also talking to the National Council of Churches of USA and the US Catholic Bishops Conference to co-sponsor it," he added.

The organisers have urged people to attend the three hour long rally to help the victims of the violence and to pressurize the Indian premier to take "decisive action".

"Violence against the Christians is spreading to other states ruled by the BJP party. Mobilising the opinion of people inside and outside India will help the Prime Minister to take decisive action," the statement said. source>>>

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