Nirmala Carvalho

Since March 5 drops of water trickle from the foot of the crucifix, close to Our Lady of Velankanni (Mumbai). A Hindu woman discovered the alleged miracle. President of the Indian Rationalist Association accuses the Church of exploiting the sacred images and the pope of being anti-science. Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai: "Statements fruit of his own ignorance. He must apologize. "

Beijing's 'work teams' paralyse life in Buddhist monasteries, which are forcibly seized. Monks have responded by abandoning them. People are concerned about the situation because they may no longer be able to give their dead a proper burial, something that Beijing is ignoring.

The authorities refuse to unblock the bank accounts of two NGOs led by the diocesan Bishop Yvon Ambroise, for alleged illegal financing of anti-nuclear protest. Spokesman of the organization: "Government is being ridiculous, those funds are used for orphanages and the sick." The services of NGOs are aimed mainly Hindus.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins 24 seats, Congress (Inc) only 9. Candidacy of 6 Catholics among the ranks of the Hindu nationalist party fundamental. Fr. Theodore Mascarenhas: "Catholics are tired of corruption; they want to trust the BJP candidate. Now they must prove that there will be no discrimination. "

For human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi, the defeat was expected. Socialist populist Samajwadi Party wins an absolute majority of seats. Rahul Gandhi's Congress party loses. Outgoing chief minister never fought to eliminate caste system.

A national seminar in Mumbai to discuss the rights and duties of the media. President of the Indian bishops' conference: "Remember the example of John Paul II in the use of media." Former Indian journalist: "Press freedom is not a license to do what you want."

Hindu nationalists interrupt Sunday service and drag the pastor and his wife to prison. This is the second time the community is attacked. Police is in league with extremists and the BJP, which rules the state. Since the start of the year, six anti-Christian attacks have occurred. In 2011, they were 49.

Protests in Mangalore and Udupi against the central government. It aims to give 4.5% of jobs to Muslims and Other Backward Classes (CBOs) and extend to Dalit Christians and Muslims the rights of Scheduled Castes (SC). According to current laws, only the Dalit Hindus and Buddhists enjoy benefits according to their status.

The two NGOs involved, the Tuticorin Diocesan Association and the Tuticorin Multipurpose Social Service Society, are headed by Bishop Yvon Ambroise. The government froze their bank accounts, accusing them of using foreign funds to support demonstrations against the construction of the Kudankulam nuclear plant.

His Beatitude George Alencherry, major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar Church (Kerala), is one of the 22 new cardinals created by Benedict XVI. In India, globalisation is widening the gap between rich and poor and the Church, "through its educational and social services, in conjunction with the government and NGOs, can limit its negative effects." He voices his support for missing Chinese bishops.

Thirty policemen dragged Junesh Pradhan, a prominent activist for the rights of the tribals, from his home, hooded and handcuffed. The charges of possession of explosives could cost him life in prison. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) is calling for its immediate release and an inquiry into the agents involved in the case.

The authorities had laid charges against the Anglican clergyman after an Islamic court accused him proselytising and forced conversions. For Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), the life of the Anglican pastor “is still in danger”. Three of the seven converts Rev Khanna had baptised have gone back to Islam after the Sharia court issued threats against them.