While the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Wednesday said the church attacks have 'generated a fear psychosis among the minority community', Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki described the gang rape of a 71-year-old nun in Nadia district of West Bengal as 'barbaric and inhuman'.
In a press statement, NPCC said 'hate speeches and provocations' against religious minorities by RSS and its affiliates show a 'pre-meditated plan to selectively target the most peace-loving minority community in the country.'
"The Nagaland BJP, which repeatedly defends the agenda of its communal masters to the extent of advising the Christian community to desist from carrying out their mission activities, stands exposed," added the NPCC.
Referring to a statement by Nagaland Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), which distanced itself from the remarks of an RSS leader who said all Indians are Hindus by DNA, NPCC asked, "Why distance from the father (RSS) while cozying up to its offspring BJP? Do they feel the people of Nagaland will take their bait?"
The Arunachal CM, on the other hand, questioned the mentality of the culprits who outraged the modesty of the nun. "The perpetrators of such heinous crimes should be immediately nabbed and given exemplary punishment," Tuki said in a statement. He appealed to the West Bengal government to intensify its investigation and book the culprits at the earliest so that the people of the country are able to restore their faith in the administration and police.
Expressing anguish over the church demolition in Hisar, Tuki condemned the incident and requested the government of Haryana to ensure communal harmony.
In the 10 months of BJP rule, the NPCC said, "The dreams it sold to people have become mere illusions and the real agenda of targeting minorities has gained precedence over governance. The Nagaland BJP leaders, instead of pleading with their central party leadership, should remember their upbringing and beliefs that are facing a threat from the BJP-RSS combine. They should severe their connection with a party that has no respect for others."
"We are citizens of a great country known for its religious pluralism. The targeting of a particular community is highly condemnable," said Tuki. He requested the state government and the Centre to take strict action against those involved in disturbing peaceful co-existence amongst different communities in the country.