Nirmala Carvalho

During a public consultation, BJP and civil society representatives spoke out against granting Christian dalits disadvantaged class status, reiterating discriminatory prejudices and clichés. The opinions were collected by a special Commission of Inquiry led by the former Chief Justice.

On Feast of the Assumption, a group of Catholics who fled more than a year ago from the ethnic violence that devastated India's northeastern state had the joy of being able to return to celebrate the Eucharist in the new settlement where the Archdiocese of Imphal is building homes for those who have lost everything. Fr. Aimeng's testimony, “A spiritual balm among so much suffering.”

The man had left for Russia in April and told his family he worked as a cook. New Delhi promises action against agencies in the country that recruit people enticed by the promise of Russian citizenship for Moscow's army. Modi expected in Kiev Aug. 23 after a visit to Moscow last month.

In September, the missionary will meet Pope Francis who will be in Papua New Guinea on his next apostolic journey. Hailing from India, the woman religious has been taking care of children aged 7 to 14 not enrolled in regular school for the past six years. She and other sisters and three teachers offer lessons of various types to guarantee the children a “brighter future”.

In India's most populous state, which is ruled by Hindu nationalists, the stricter law now includes life in prison. Minorities are often targeted by such legislation. The law “violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution,” warns the National Council of Churches of India. “Presently 28 Christians, mostly pastors are languishing in UP jails because of their faith,” Fr Mathew told AsiaNews.

Two landslides caused by heavy rains have swept through districts in the hilly region of Meppadi. Among the people missing are many tea growers. Field hospitals have been set up in a church and the local university. The Catholic Bishops' Conference is working with government agencies to speed up relief operations.

A village panchayat in Uttar Pradesh is said to have ordered the inhumane treatment over an extramarital affair. Police arrested 15 people in connection with the incident.

In Madhya Pradesh a misunderstanding during a school lesson is exploited by Hindutva group to attack school run by the Sisters of Sain t Elizabeth. Bishop Athikalam slams the shameful violence against women who have been serving the community for 50 years, “working towards nation-building.”

The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revoked a rule in place since 1966 that prevented civil servants from being members of the RSS, a paramilitary group that promotes the Hindutva ideology. Originally, the ban also prevented membership in the Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist organisation, but the latter is not mentioned in the ban revocation. INC members speak out against the government’s decision.

For almost two months a priest, a Protestant bishop, and some principals have been in prison on charges of collecting exorbitant school fees. The increase was calculated on the first COVID-19 year, when prices had been reduced by order of local authorities. “We've done nothing in mala fide,” said Bishop Arasu speaking to AsiaNews. “We're willing even to approach the Supreme Court.”

Four were arrested Friday in a village following reports by the Hindu organisations Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang DalPer. Due to the presence of anti-conversion laws, Christians suffer continuous intimidation in India. Bishop Gerald Mathias of Lucknow: "Innocent people languish in prisons. It is unacceptable".

The Archbishop of Mumbai, who represents Asia in the Council of Cardinals wanted by Pope Francis, comments on the Instrumentum laboris in view of the October Assembly released these days. "We need to discuss how to give women their rightful role, involving them more in decision-making processes in the Church. Being inclusive, welcoming everyone, does not mean changing what the Gospel teaches."