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(Founded in 1919, Representing the 1.6 Crore Catholic Laity in India) National President: Dr. Maria Emilia Menezes National Vice President: Dr. John Dayal 3rd Floor, Dempo Trade Centre, Patto Plaza, Panaji 403001 email:
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Press Statement Christian groups condemn Narendra Modi for targeting NGOs, Fr Cedric New Delhi, 12th June 2004 Prominent national Christian Human Rights and Civil Society groups have condemned Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's reported crack-down on NGOs which had taken up the cause of the 2002 riot victims and had taken on the state over legal and human rights issues. The All India Catholic Union, the All India Christian Council, the United Christian Action and others expressed shock and concern at the harassment of prominent Ahmedabad activist, Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash, who was summoned by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Gujarat Police on Thursday, 10th June 2004 and interrogated. Father Prakash, a Saraswati Samman awardee, was interrogated reportedly following instructions to the police from the chief minister's office. A report in the Hindustan Times today said the directive came after an email from a Mumbai-based IT professional, who quoted Father Prakash as telling a magazine that minorities in Gujarat feel unsafe. The newspaper said the IT professional had earlier worked in Modi's office. Father Prakash was reportedly threatened that his passport would be impoun ded for his 'anti-national' act. Hindustan Times said while Modi has been harassing secular NGOs for many months now, the latest provocation is believed to be the June 1 meeting of activists here which prepared a charter of demands for the UPA government at the Centre. The charter demanded the re-examination of the acquittals and closure of post-Godhra cases and fresh judicial probe into the Godhra incident. Catholic Union national vice president Dr. John Dayal recalled that Modi had particularly targeted Christian organisations. Another activist, Samson Christian, was physically assaulted for protesting desecration of graveyards and denial of holidays on Christian festivals. Dr John Dayal said Human rights groups will also protest with the Central government and with President Kalam, urging them to ensure that the rule of law is upheld in the rogue state of Gujarat and minority and civil liberties groups are not harassed or persecuted. Released for Publication by Dr. John Dayal Please contact Dr. John Dayal at : 505 Link Society, 18 I.P. Extn Delhi 10092, India Ph: 09811021072, 011-22722262
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