Nirmala Carvalho

The head of the RSS condemns the New Delhi attacks but also blames the government's for being "soft" on separatism in the country's North-East. For John Dayal, it is all part of a campaign to discredit Christians. In his view, the RSS and Islamic fundamentalism feed on each other.

Cardinal Toppo, CBCI president, said "violence is never an answer, it only generates more chaos". Riyad has joined the global chorus of condemnation: "Once again, we are united to defeat terror".

The bishop of the diocese told AsiaNews he is "worried" because violence against Christians in Rajasthan "is increasing all the time". The spokesman of the bishops' conference: "We have never broken the law and proselytism charges are unfounded".

A provincial court in this western state administered by Nationalist Hindus has let off the alleged killers of two Muslims for want of evidence. A Catholic activist said: "Despite the continued violence, no one is guilty here".

The fanatic condemned to life in prison for the homicide of the missionary and his two sons is asking for a reduction of his sentence while the investigative authorities are going for the death penalty. The bishop of Balasora: "We believe in forgiveness but justice must reinforce truth".

The attackers destroyed the windows of the house and were about to break in when a police patrol drew up. A local politician features among the suspects and intimidation or vandalism have been mooted as possible causes.

The director of the Catholic organisation laments the sluggish pace of aid relief in an interview with AsiaNews. The area stricken is contested, a battleground of India and Pakistan; "perhaps NGOs from all around the world are moving more slowly because of this. And yet everything is needed in Kashmir".

Catholic campaigner: "This is a historic moment in our struggle against the caste system". American congressman: "Converts to Christianity and Christian missionaries are particularly targeted in violence which often goes unpunished".

In an interview with AsiaNews, Mgr Peter Celestine, bishop of the diocese of Jammu-Srinagar, speaks about the earthquake, the devastation and first aid to victims. What is crucial now is aid.

Catholic leaders and women's rights campaigners slam the High Court ruling as "retrograde, outrageous and very dangerous". The Delhi Archbishop said: "The situation of women continues to worsen."

The RSS, a Hindu paramilitary movement, calls for the removal of minority status for Christians and Muslims, urging a return to "Indianisation". The Bishops' Conference is quick to respond.

174,542 trees were planted in Tamil Nadu within 24 hours, one for each person who perished in the Tsunami. The project was promoted by NGOs too: it is hoped the plants will eventually serve as an "ecological barrier" against the sea.