The National Commission for Minorities has written to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh to provide safety and security to the minority community in light of the alleged call for attacks on Christians by one Adesh Soni on March 1. The Commission has asked the state to investigate the matter and send a detailed report to the body.
Earlier this month, a Christian community group, the Association of Concerned Christians, has complained against hate speech and threats against the Christian community in Chhattisgarh.
The Commission said it has received a representation from the national coordinator of United Christian Forum, A C Michael mentioning an incendiary post allegedly made by one Adesh Soni, a self-proclaimed cow protection vigilante. The post reportedly called for sexual assault and murder of members of the Christian community in Chhattisgarh, the Commission said.
The Christian leader’s video also contained a snippet of Soni spoke at a Dharm Sansad, a gathering of religious leaders, in Prayagraj, where he referred to an upcoming rally in Chhattisgarh from Raipur to Bishrampur, scheduled for March 1, to protest against cow slaughter. This, along with the social media post, gave the impression that he was mobilising a movement for genocide against Christians in the state.
The Commission mentioned that Soni has denied calling for such violence and claimed that the post on social media was fabricated. However, in light of the grave sensitivity of the matter, the petitioner has requested an investigation into the matter and measures to ensure the protection of the minority community, said the Commission added.
Additionally, they have called for action regarding the rally, which is likely to disturb communal harmony and peace, and for steps to be taken to maintain law and order to safeguard the well-being of the minority community
