Nirmala Carvalho

A leaflet, distributed in thousands of copies lists the Christians “crimes”: love for their fellow man, education of the youth, refusal of the cast system. The text, signed by Hindu nationalists, threatens death to all those who remain in the state without converting to Hinduism.

Leftwing parties in ruling coalition insist on stalling the nuclear agreement with the United States. Opposition parties call for elections. Prime Minister Singh reiterates that the agreement is “historic” and “essential” for the country.

Optimism and India’s progress take centre stage in Prime Minister Singh’s speech commemorating 60 years of independence. Church official complains that the development model adopted by the government is too city-centred and inadequate for rural areas.

Two days from the 60th anniversary of Indian Independence the President of the Indian bishops conference reflects with AsiaNews on the Union’s economic and social situation and indicates “demon corruption” as the ill that needs to be uprooted in order to create a truly just society, where “Truth Alone Triumphs”.

State minister orders arrest of a priest and four students for allegedly killing a young student in a vocational college. Catholics and Protestants along with some political leaders protest the baseless charges. For the archbishop of Hyderabad it is “an attempt to discredit and intimidate” the Church.

The principal of the Sacred Heart Junior College makes the claim after his school becomes the target of threats and attacks by Hindu extremists. Thousands take part in a march to protest the violence against the school. Shimoga bishop voices his concerns.

14 of them have been on hunger strike for over a month. They are demanding news of the “missing” Panchen Lama and permission to travel to Tibet. For the Olympics they announce a year of public protest. An appeal to the international community.

Yesterday 3 bomb attacks in a crowded area caused dozens of wounded. Further attacks are feared in the run up to celebrations for Indian Independence. Meanwhile over 5.5 million people have been left homeless by floods and many killed.

The BJP-led government wants to “revive” a law approved in 2003 but never entered into force because of widespread protests that erupted back then. Whoever changes religion will have to inform the government first. Analysts see this as a political move to curry favour with Hindu nationalists for upcoming elections.

A new inquiry is set to find who was responsible for the death of some 900 people in December 1992 and January 1993 during riots between Muslims and Hindus. Human rights activist demands that those who have not be held accountable be brought to justice.

Amendment would have banned conversions to another religion even though the Indian constitution allows it. This is the third case in recent months where a governor rejects this kind of state bill. For Cardinal Toppo this is a good sign that India is still democratic and secular.

The economic Boom coupled with Chinese competition have accentuated the crises in the countries traditional economic sector. Suicide cases among workers reduced to absolute poverty.