(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the recent attacks on the
Christian missionary institutions and religious congregations in different parts of the
country such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orrissa during the year 2007;
(b) if so, the numbers of such incidents occurred since January 2007 State-wise;
(c) the details of loss of lives and properties; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to check such incidents in future?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (c): The Union Government is aware of instances of social tension/ clashes between
Christian organisations and others in various parts of the country during 2007.
“Public Order†and “Police†being State subjects as per the provisions of the Constitution
of India, the State Governments are primarily responsible for maintenance of law and order and
data on communal incidents. As per information available in this Ministry, State-wise details
of number of communal incidents involving Christians and the persons killed therein during
the year 2007 are given in the Annexure.
(d): To prevent communal incidents in the country, the Union Government assists the State
Governments/ Union Territory Administrations in a variety of ways lik e sharing of
intelligence, sending alert messages, sending Central para-military Forces including the
composite Rapid Action Force created specially to deal with communal situations to the
concerned State Governments on specific request, and in the modernization of the State Police
Forces. In addition, the Union Government sends advisories and Guidelines in this regard
from time to time. The activities of all organizations having a bearing on communal harmony
in the country are under constant watch of law enforcement agencies and requisite legal action
is taken, wherever necessary.
The Union Government has also introduced a Bill titled ‘The Communal Violence (Prevention,
Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005’ in Rajya Sabha to address various aspects
of the issue of communal violence.