UNITED CHRISTIAN FORUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

C/O BISHOP'S HOUSE, MIRZAPUR, AHMEDABAD - 380 001

PRESS RELEASE

After the recent attacks on the Christian community in the Dangs and elsewhere, Christians all over the State of Gujarat are being interrogated, under the pretext of providing security.

These interrogations which have been rather intimidating, have been heightened with the circular of the Gujarat Police (No. D2:Hindu Khristi 83/99 dtd. 2nd February, '99).

These interrogations, isolating the Christians, have only increased the fear and insecurity in the Christian community of Gujarat. In the past this very modus operandi was used against the Sikhs and the Muslims who later faced the brunt of atrocities on them.

The Christians of Gujarat regard this Circular as a violation of their Constitutional rights and in denouncing it call upon the Government of Gujarat to have it withdrawn immediately.

Ahmedabad
February, 9, 1999

Sd/- Bishop S. Fernandes sj Bishop V. Malaviya Catholic Bishop of Ahmedabad CNI Bishop of Gujarat