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"The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), the representative body of 29 member churches in India wishes to express grave concern over the incidents of attacks on the Christians in south Gujarat, especially in the districts of Dang and Surat. The unabated violence which started during the Christmas week is most unfortunate as it reflects the failure of the Gujarat Government to ensure law and order and also its failure to ensure the safety and security of the life and properties of its citizens, particularly those of minority communities.

As a representative body of 29 member churches we have upheld and abided by the principle of �gCONVERSATION�h not conversion. We are therefore deeply disturbed by the allegations of conversions and the attempt to rationalize violence by some members of Sangh Parivar as a reaction to conversions. The Gujarat Government must ensure that there is an immediate halt to this kind of violence and threats to the life and properties of the minorities.

The Church in India is committed to serve the people of our nation. We are particularly amused at the theory being propagated by the V.H.P. that through education the church will proselytize the people of our nation. We condemn this attempt at opinion making as mischievous and frivolous. We assure all our fellow citizens that the Church through its educational ministry has no such intent.

We earnestly appeal to the Home Ministry of the Central Government to take all necessary steps to ensure law and order in parts of Gujarat which are experiencing communal violence, and assure the nation that such tendencies will be curbed in future. The present situation in Gujarat may lead to an erosion in the level of confidence of the people in the capacity of the �gState�h to ensure the safety of the citizens' lives and properties.

We demand that :

• A thorough inquiry be undertaken by the National Commission on Human Rights and the National Commission on Minorities on the recent events in Gujarat and punishment be meted out to those responsible for the crime of instigating communal violence.
• The Central Government take cognizance and suitable action on individuals and organizations indulging in making mischievous and inflammatory statements through the media.
• The Minorities in India demand an assurance from the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ensuring protection to their lives and properties.
• The provisions of the Constitution enshrining the rights of the minorities be upheld by the Central and the State Governments.

We fervently appeal to the churches in Gujarat and all over the nation to prayerfully maintain peace and not indulge in actions tantamount to retaliation.

We affirm our commitment to continue to serve the nation and the people of India. As we enter the new year we pray that the Prince of Peace grant our national leaders courage and wisdom to take our people on the path of peace and prosperity.

JAI BHARAT

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