NHRC notice to five states over atrocities on Christians

The NHRC has issued notice to Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu over alleged acts of violence and atrocities against Christians.

Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the chief secretaries of the states within three weeks.

In Madhya Pradesh, churches have reportedly been vandalised in addition to incidents of arson, stone pelting, attack on pastors and forcible conversions.

Similarly in other states, diktats on missionary schools have been given, Sunday services have been disrupted and the entry of Christians in some villages has been barred as well.

In parts of Chhattisgarh, refusal to supply ration to Christians has been reported.

"The commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, amount to violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion," the NHRC said.