 The Supreme Court’s latest directive to the Governments at the Centre and in Gujarat to ensure security to the Christian community in Dangs district of Gujarat in view of the forthcoming Shabri Kumb Mela is indeed a great victory for all secular forces actively involved in bringing the contentious issue to the authorities concerned. It is also a positive sign of the alertness displayed by the judiciary in coming to the rescue of tribal Christians who have been targeted by the Sangh Parivar outfits in their politico-religious game. The All India Christian Council (aicc) has been consistently following up the issue, taking it up at the state level as well as at the Central level. On 7 February 2006, a delegation of aicc leaders from Maharashtra, including noted film producer Mahesh Bhatt, led by Dr Abraham Mathai met the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, seeking their immediate intervention. They have now issued orders to implement section 144 on the regions that are sensible to communal frenzy. The Gujarat chapter of aicc has even moved the High Court seeking to ban the Sabri Kumbh mela. Although the Court has refused to pass orders to stop the mela, it has directed the Central and state governments to ensure protection of the minority Christian community and its institutions. The advocates representing aicc informed the court about the mela enjoying active support of the state government. They argued that the development grants meant for local panchayats had been diverted for developing roads and creating infrastructure at the mela site. The court in turn stated, "It will not be proper or just for the court to pass any order adverse to the organisers of the mela." Now that the mela is on and no untoward incident has been reported so far, the Christian Council now strongly believes that the Narendra Modi Government in Gujarat is only lying low in view of the media focus and also the Centre’s instructions and follow-up. Given his dubious background, he is likely to play mischief in Dangs “where his heart seems to lie”. The Christian Council appeals to the Central Government to continue to be vigilant and see that all his evil designs are thwarted with due might. On the whole the Christian Council is happy to note that its efforts have borne fruit and the whole government machinery is being geared towards ensuring security to the minority community. The Centre has already sent paramilitary forces to Dangs to be deployed in different parts of the district. The state has also responded favourably by posting its police force to guard all vulnerable points in the district. Eleven companies of the State Reserve Police (SRP) have already been deployed in the district. The local police have also intensified patrol in villages where the tribal Christians are apprehensive that the three-day congregation would turn out to be a re-conversion ploy. All this should not lead to a feeling of complacency. Instead it should call for more alertness, given the history of Hindu fanatics who have a way of creating problems for the minorities across the country. Since the mela enjoys the active support of the state government, it is also quite possible for the security forces to look the other way to let the fanatics to have a field day. All efforts should be made to see that the mela passes off peacefully without any harm coming to the Christians in Dangs and other parts of the state. Dr Joseph D’Souza
President, All India Christian Council
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