Need time-bound plan to prevent violence against us: Catholic group

Panaji: The Catholic Association of Goa, in memorandums to the President of India and the Goa governor, called for a time-bound national plan for the prevention of violence against Christians in the country.The association, representing Catholic faithful in Goa, appealed to the President to advise the Union Home ministry to urgently convene a meeting with Christian bodies, including the Catholic Bishops Conference of India and other Churches, to hear first-hand accounts of attacks.The association also called upon the President to direct the PM and the home minister to take urgent action by ensuring security for Christian institutions, by issuing clear instructions to all state govts and police authorities to protect Churches, Christian institutions and religious gatherings, especially during major feasts.The association, represented by its president, Cyril Fernandes, also appealed for the registration of FIRs promptly and the prosecution of those involved in attacks and hate campaigns against Christians, and to enforce zero tolerance for hate speech and vigilante violence.“These are not stray ‘law and order’ lapses but repeated assaults on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution...” the association stated.The association also stated that Goa’s economy relies on international tourism and, therefore, India cannot afford to lose its international image due to such unwarranted sporadic violent incidents.