Fear is ruling the roost in Konkan region, known to be the peaceful green belt of Maharashtra, after members of minority community were threatened and attacked by Hindu fundamentalists.
Leaders of the Christian community said after the threat, Christians in Konkan hold prayer meetings “in an air reeking of fear and under police protection”. However, many congregations were attacked despite the presence of police personnel who just stand as witnesses.
Catholic Secular Forum General Secretary Joesph Dias told Deccan Herald that a fact-finding tour in Konkan revealed that the area “is now infested with communal and divisive forces with several prayer meetings being held not in open areas but in municipal halls.”
Dias cited the January 11 incident in which over 600 people peacefully praying in Sawantwadi Municipal Hall were threatened and attacked.
“While the people at congregation, still tremble with fear to talk about the incident...the local police refuse to identify attackers or take action against them,” he added.
In view of the communally-charged situation in the Sindhudurg district of Konkan region, Dias pointed out, one needs to take police permission before holding a prayer congregation.