Nirmala Carvalho

The speaker of the European parliament calls for clemency in the case of Afzal Guru, a man sentenced to death for his role in an attack against India’s parliament. India’s main opposition party, the BJP, protests. EU officials try to downplay the issue. India’s President Kalam extols the virtue of the EU’s and India’s ‘unity in diversity.’

The proposal of new severe restrictions to “guarantee public order” will also effect religious processions. Concern among Christians, John Dayal: “A useless and ambiguous text. There are already effective laws governing the issue”. If approved gatherings of 5 or more people will have to seek police approval, who will also decide on banners and symbols for public display.

A third coalition enters the campaign for election to the new parliament, also decisive for the federal government. Backed by various ex premiers, it aims to attract floating voters deluded by the big parties’ failure to maintain promises.

As the country launches its first commercial space mission, it prepares to compete with the United States, Russia and China in the commercial launch market. Its first mission to the moon is scheduled for next year.

Hindu extremists organise demo today calling for land purchased by Christians be returned to Tribals. Missionaries use revenue raised from the land to provide education and improve living conditions of the local population, something extremists do not want, says bishop of Raipur.

Singh tells religious leaders from India and around the world that India is a secular and tolerant country, the byproduct of various cultures coming together, where every religions has equal dignity. He condemns religious sectarianism quoting a Hindu philosopher from the past.

Following deadly clashes on March 14, Catholic volunteers bring aid to the frightened and forgotten population of Nandigram (West Bengal). Let us bring the love of Christ to those who are suffering, says Kolkata bishop.

Hindu nationalist groups carry out violent ‘punitive’ actions and public protest against people guilty in their eyes of immoral behaviour. In Mumbai one group storms and ransacks TV station that reported ‘immoral’ story. Protests against Richard Gere kissing Shilpa Shetty continue.

Protests against an etching of four men with raised hands on the two rupee coin spread. Fanatics claim it represents the Christian symbol of the cross. The latest in a series of attempts by Hindu fundamentalists to gain consensus ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Widespread and persistent suspicion surrounds Christians in Andhra Pradesh. Hindu extremists threaten and sometimes act out violently against them. Mgr Joji talks about the situation stressing how persecution strengthens believers’ faith and unity among themselves and with the Church.

Muslim leaders slam decision to deny their community minority status and related benefits. Court ruling might affect Muslim voters’s behaviour in the upcoming state-wide legislative elections.

The chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of India tells AsiaNews about the meaning of Easter, a time to renew oneself in “justice, peace and truth,” a time to announce to the world the “joy of the Resurrection and share it even with those who do not know Christ.” Non Christians greet Christians throughout India.