Delhi (AsiaNews) – The Indian state of West Bengal has been the scene of new anti-Christian attacks.
In mid-July Hindu nationalists targeted Salesian nuns. Last Friday, a group led by a self-styled monk with ties to a Hindu organisation, threatened the Christian pastor who heads the Grace Community Church in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas.
The next day, an angry mob attacked St Claret Catholic Church in Nazat, giving the local priest a seven-day ultimatum to leave the place of worship.
The raid was led by a man in saffron robes, who identified himself as an official with the Hindu Parishad (VHP), a right-wing organisation formerly allied with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The parish priest, Father Anuj Hembrom, reported the incident to the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), the state's main Christian organisation.
He provided video images showing the group's leader aggressively pointing the finger at him and issuing an ultimatum, demanding he leave the area or face dire consequences.
"Go away to America or New Zealand! They are funding you from there to do all this. Pack up your bags and leave from here!" the individual appears to be shouting in the video.
After Fr Faustine informed him of the situation, Rev J Felix Raj, vice-chancellor of St. Xavier University, contacted the District Superintendent of Police (SP) asking for immediate action.
The BCP legal department also called the local police station to request explanations as to why, despite the First Information Report (FIR) filed in the morning, police had not yet intervened to defend the priest and the place of worship. In response, the police told the clergyman that they were taking immediate action to address the security issues.
In a statement sent to AsiaNews, the former national president of the All India Catholic Union (AICU), Eugene Gonsalves, slammed the threats against Claretian missionaries in Nazat, South 24 Parganas, and called for immediate police protection.
“We express deep concern over the intimidation of Claretian Missionaries at Claret Premaloy, Nazat Mission, Diocese of Baruipur, South 24 Parganas,” reads the statement.
A group of individuals reportedly forced their way into the mission premises last Friday, accusing the priests of "forced conversions" and "misuse of foreign funds," and issuing them a seven-day ultimatum. The following day, three members of the same group returned and renewed their threats and ultimatums.
"The Claretians at Nazat have served the poor and marginalized of this region for years through education, healthcare and pastoral work, in full compliance with the law and the Constitution," said Mr Gonsalves.
"To threaten men of faith with eviction, and to level baseless charges of conversion and foreign funding, is an attack not only on a religious community but on the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to every citizen under Article 25,” the Christian leader added.
In a three-point appeal to the authorities, he called for a FIR to be immediately registered and a thorough investigation be conducted by the West Bengal police into trespassing, criminal intimidation, and threats. He urged the authorities to provide proper police protection to Claret Premaloy, the missionaries, staff, and the local Christian community. Lastly, he called on district leaders to uphold the rule of law and prevent any attempt to forcibly close a legally functioning religious and social services institution.
"The pattern of targeting Christian institutions and missionaries in parts of West Bengal is deeply disturbing. The State has a duty to protect all minorities and ensure that no group takes the law into its own hands," he noted.
AsiaNews also spoke to Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur about the matter, who did not spare criticism for the way security is managed.
“I strongly condemn the misbehaviour of the group of people associated with the Hindu Parishad towards our priests,” the prelate said.
“Instead of harassing them,” he added, “they should acknowledge and appreciate the selfless service of Christian missionaries, who have dedicated their lives to the education, healthcare, and overall development of the people, irrespective of religion, caste, or community.”
For this reason, the authorities should take firm and appropriate legal action against those responsible for the threats, to ensure the security of all citizens.
Ultimately, for the bishop, Hindu nationalists “are trying to frighten the Christian community. However, we remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to serving society with love, peace, and dignity. We will not be intimidated by threats or acts of harassment.”
