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PM denounces attacks on Christians, denies BJP hand

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today denounced the perpetrators of condemnable acts against members of the Christian community and said his government was fully committed to upholding the principle of secularism.

The prime minister, in a statement, said the government has taken note of yesterday's protests by the Christian community all over the country and assured that the anti-social elements who were responsible for acts of atrocity against the minorities would be punished under the due process of law.

''India is a secular nation. 'Sarva Pantha Samabhava' -- equal respect for all faiths -- has been the cornerstone of our culture and our nationhood. My government is fully committed to upholding this principle. Every citizen has the fullest freedom to practise his beliefs so long as they do not interfere with another person's right to do the same,'' he added.

Vajpayee denied that the BJP or the government had anything to do with the miscreants responsible for the attacks.

The prime minister stressed that ''strengthening of communal harmony and the secular fabric of India is the collective responsibility of all''.

He said his government has reassured all Christian brethren that ''they are as valued citizens of the country as everybody else. They have contributed immensely to the nation's development for many years, especially in healthcare and education. Their institutions in these sectors have benefited the entire community, irrespective of the caste and creed of the beneficiaries''.

Meanwhile, Delhi Archbishop Alan de Lastic thanked the prime minister for meeting the Christian delegation yesterday and for his encouraging words.

UNI

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