The Christian community across the country condemns in unequivocal terms the brutal murder of 22 Hindus in Kalhan village in Doda district of Kashmir by armed militants in a cold blooded operation. This is the second militant attack in as many days.

We have always maintained that violence does not help resolve any political issue, however just it may seem to its propagator, Dr John Dayal, Member of the National Integration Council, said in a statement on behalf of the All India Christian Council, the All India Catholic Union and the United Christian Action. "The killing of regional religious or linguistic minorities is particularly deplorable, and exposes the real motives of the killers - which remain spreading
terror and persecuting the weak and the innocent." Another motive is to widen the divide between communities in other parts of India.

Kashmir needs much healing even as it has makes considerable progress in bringing peace to its long suffering people of all religious persuasions - Muslims, Buddhist and the Hindus who are in such a minority in the valley.

The tiny Christian community in Kashmir has been a victim in all the three regions. Christians of Pundit and Dalit origins are major victims in the valley and in the Jammu region. Christian missionaries face death on a daily basis if they try to carry out their freedom of expression and freedom of faith.

We also condemn the brutal murder of the Andhra Engineer Suryanarayan, a victim of wanton Taliban violence in Afghanistan. There can be non excuse for this assassination. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and pray for peace of the souls of the dead.

Statement issued by

Dr. John Dayal
Member: National Integration Council, Government of India

National President:  All India Catholic Union (Founded 1919)

Secretary General: All India Christian Council (Founded 1999)

President: United Christian Action, Delhi (Founded 1992)