The CSF white-paper on religious ethnic cleansing in Kashmir

The CSF "White Paper" compiled by Joseph Dias General Secretary, The CSF +91 9769 55 56 57 Religious Ethnic Cleansing in Kashmir Sinister hate campaign against Christians There can be only one Supreme Court in India Suspected connivance of the state government The CSF SOS as Kashmiri Christians flee to become extinct Character Assassination & Danger to Rev. CM Khanna & family The CSF SOS: Churches of all denominations (internationally & nationally), Christians of all hues and colours, human and minority rights NGOs and civil society - please do your bit by getting in touch with the Union & State governments to act on the near annihilation of Christians and the community's presence in the Kashmir valley. Speak-up against the police and fundamentalist terror suffered by priests - Rev. CM Khanna, Fr. Jim Borst Mill Hill Missionary - besides other Christians and their families, whose lives are in danger - NOW - being stuck in the Kashmir Valley. Christians in the Kashmir Valley face persecution from a hostile neighbour, local Islamic communalists, fundamentalist courts, extremists/terrorists, biased police and local administration, paralyzed judicial system, a state government which has decided it cannot act and a union government that desperately needs to look at the situation more seriously - for its wide national and international ramifications. So to whom does the Kashmir Valley Christian go to for survival? Salutations & Acknowledgements The CSF and our man in J & K, Predhuman K Joseph Dhar (Kashmiri Pandit convert, a noted educationist, scholar and journalist who translated the Bible into Kashmiri) for this "White Paper" has relied heavily on inputs by the persecuted victims first-hand, their families, media coverage, internet, etc. The information provided from the fact-finding team led by Dr. HT Sangliana and comprising Dr. John Dayal, Dr. Richard Howell, Adv. Rev. PJ Marcose and Rev. Vijayesh Lal helped. Special mention must also be made of the noteworthy services rendered by Nicodemus (President, All J&K Christian United Federation), Dr. Sajan K. George (GCIC), SM Gill (ex MLC), Adv Monish Chopra (Jammu HC), Ms. Jyoti Agarwal (Supreme Court), Feastus Sotra (V Chairman, All J&K Christian United Federation) & a couple of others who are standing in the gap, to ensure the safety of Rev. Khanna and other victims. The CSF Urgent Recommendations 1. The Church is called to specially pray for the persecutors and the persecuted God's intervention. 2. The union & state governments must ensures the safety of Rev. CM Khanna and dozen converts 3. The Supreme Court of India must take suo moto cognizance of the existence of another SC in J&K 4. Extra - constitutional Sharia Courts are a parallel judicial system & their jurisdiction must be defined. 5. The union home ministry must take note of Muslims taking on Christians in other parts of the country. 6. The moderate Muslim leadership, human & minority rights NGOs and secular civil society must speak-up. 7. The J & K situation must not affect the minority rights movement, where all are unanimous against Hindutva. 8. Fatwas or complaints by / against believers of any faiths is unhealthy for secularim and needs to be avoided. Chilling reports from Jammu & Kashmir valley - Christians flee & reduced to half The Catholic-Christian Secular Forum (CSF) expresses shock and serious concern at the concerted campaign against Christians in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K), calling upon the union and state government to act immediately to counter the threat from Islamic fundamentalists and prevent total annihilation of Christians in the Kashmir Valley. Reports received by The CSF from the Kashmir valley indicate that a large number of Christians are fleeing their houses, fearing danger of en mass killings and are now less than half in number. This has happened over the last couple of days, when the mass media highlighted false reports of Christians converting Muslims, alluring them with money, alcohol, women, passports… And even asking them to drink swine's blood. Trumped up charges, repeated ad nasuem in cases where Christian martyrs have been framed, which is enough for fundamentalists to unleash a reign of mass terror, with none to help. Special status is granted to J & K under Article 370 of the Constitution of India and many Indian institutions have no jurisdiction here. Laws passed by the Union Parliament are not applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir unless the State Cabinet requests for their extension to the state to the President of India. The State has its own Penal code, called the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), not the Indian Penal Code. The State also reportedly has its own constitution and flag Even worse are reports of raids conducted on houses of Christians or those who are believed converted and their families being threatened with dire consequences and a socio-economic boycott in place. Thus starving the Christians, severely compounded with a freezing winter, and leaving them with no refuge, but to fall sick and die. Most of the 400 odd Christians living in the valley now face the same persecution that Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs faced in 1990s, when they were forcibly exiled from the Kashmir valley en mass. The persecution of Christians this time, started after the "Supreme Court of Islamic Shariet", headed by Kashmiri Grand Mufti, (head cleric) Bashir-ud-din Ahmad's verdict demands the punishment and expulsion of 5 missionaries, besides ordering a take-over of Christian schools, where Islamic studies should be taught and stating that there would be no more baptisms in the valley of Kashmir. Thus the concern for the safety of all Christians in Kashmir, especially the missionaries, their families and the new believers, who have been baptized. 23 year ago: 19, January, 1990 - Pundits & Christians of Pundit Origin flee Now it is termed as Holocaust Day by the Kashmiri Pandits and Christians of Kashmiri Pandit origin, who on 19 January 1990, over 23 years ago, had to flee their homes. This year on the same date, the "Supreme Court of Islamic Shariet" in multiple fatwas (edicts) called for the expulsion of 5 Christian missionaries, taking over Christian schools and institutions and even worse, launching a mass hate campaign against Christians through maulanas in mosques, mass media and more effectively word of mouth. Here is what happened way back then - Between 1989 and 1992, the majority of Kashmiri Pundits and Christians of Kashmiri Pundit origin were forced out of their homes by the Islamist terrorists. Men were murdered, women were raped, property was destroyed and threats were issued. It was made clear to them that they were no longer welcome in Kashmir, as they professed a different faith, from the one professed by terrorists. 4,00,000 Kashmiri Pandits and Christian families of Kashmiri Pandit origin fled because they feared for their lives in an exodus that was a microcosm of the Partition’s flood of refugees. Some believed that this was a temporary phase – exactly as many refugees had believed during Partition – and that when the violence was over, they could return to their homes and resume their lives. Alas - this was a doomed hope. The ones who did dare go back were instantly shot dead labeling them as state informers. And as for the others, there was less and less to go back to. Their homes were forcibly occupied and taken over by strangers. Their shops were looted. Their businesses were closed down. And in many cases – in what must count as the greatest tragedy – the exiles found that their neighbors had profited from their absence and actively opposed their return. This is exactly what is happening to the 200 odd Christians in the Kashmir valley Despite persecution, it was estimated that there were over 400 Christians left in the valley, but sources say that as of date - about half the number have fled, leaving the remaining half to fend for themselves. One cannot blame those who have left, as torture is imminent - where you either recant or die. But we need to rush to the aid of those left behind and most of all Rev. CM Khanna of the Church of North India (CNI) and Fr. Jim Borst, a Dutch Catholic priest, besides the believed converts and their families, living underground. For them and the 200 odd Christians of the valley, it is less an issue of religious liberty or freedom of faith. It is more about preparing to be martyred for their belief in Jesus Christ - as the early Christians did. It is mobocracy. It is theocracy in a secular democracy. But what is worse is, being J & K, the situation is even more complex - even if one wants to we can do nothing as - politicians blame it on a delicate situation, civil society refuses to take a stand, secular Muslims won't speak up, the Christian leadership wants to be politically correct and a few voices in the desert find writ of the government just doesn't run or there is lack of political will. So what does one who feels strongly about it do - send out an SOS on behalf of the silent majority of Indians and freedom of religion and human rights loving activists, to do whatever each of us can to save the Christians in peril. Ground Zero realities: Rev. Khanna & other victims - Persecution as never before It seems the complete annihilation of Christians at least from the Kashmir valley, is a stark harsh reality, at least unless YOU ACT, which is why The CSF presents the ground reality - 1. False cases, frenzy zealots & rumours The police under pressure from the "Supreme Court of Islamic Shariet", which is an extra-constitutional authority with no official legal sanction, has registered false cases trumped-up under sections 153A and 295A, for spreading hatred between communities, etc. These cases have been forged upon the missionaries and Christians without an shred of evidence. There is always the eminent danger of even more serious charges being added to cover their guilt. The fundamentalists are given a free hand and operate with impunity targeting Christians individually, if they don't revert to Islam. The mass media put out stories of those who recanted, which has added fuel to the fire. These reverts make all kinds of false allegations, like being lured and seduced with various enticement, in-fact they were made to drink swine blood and converted to Christianity. Rev. Khanna was told that he was being protected by the police, but he was arrested on a Saturday and kept in illegal confinement and refused bail for many days. Mrs. Kanta Khanna is publicly accused of proselytizing by enticement and is being moved out of the state as she is gravely ill and in a state of shock. 2. Hostile legal and official state machinery The Bar Association and the judiciary allegedly also did not live up to expectations. It was reported that a notice outside the court urged all lawyers to boycott Rev. CM Khanna and mentioned, if any one even assisted, they would be thrown out of Bar Association, would be asked to stop practicing and will be responsible for the "consequences". Not only did the Bar Association announce that they would not defend him, but members of the local Bar disturbed the proceedings of the court. When the judge found that there is nothing in the case, and after the arguments, he was about to give bail, about 25 lawyers started shouting that if bail is given, there will be strike by advocates and Kashmir will be closed. There is no local official, no lawyer, no notary, no typist, no stationary, no photocopying machines etc. available to the missionaries and the converts. The "Supreme Court of Islamic Shariet" has also requested the Sr. Superintendent of Police in Srinagar to ensure that a list of Muslims baptised by Rev. CM Khanna reaches it, as soon as possible. 3. Christian schools and institutions targeted The Tyndel Biscoe School has just 4 Christian students out of over 7,000 including the girls wing. The Burn House Catholic School, has 3 students out of over 2,000 and the same is true of also the faculty, where Christians are negligible. All Christian schools are ordered to teach Islam and daily prayers written by Syed Mohammad Iqbal should also be sung in the morning, the Islamic authorities say. The Sharia Court also ordered that Muslims be placed on the managing committees of the Christian school and their opinions sought before acting. No one denied an unconfirmed report that a Christian student was beaten up and that Christians schools encourage drug addiction and a permissive lifestyle among children. Pamphlets and handbills are reportedly circulated asking students not to recite prayers, calling God - one's Father, as it goes against the tenets of Islam, which does not mention God to be so. There is a view that some influential Muslim businesspersons involved with education, fear the Christian institutions, which offer quality education at fair fees and want to either get them out of the competition or control them by being on the management or taking over these institutions. 4. Christians are soft targets with no support For many people, Christians are soft targets for politicians, extremist groups and other vested interests and the bogey of conversions is a handy tool to achieve their selfish ends. Most of the time, conversions are used by the opposition and the ruling parties to score points over each other - with Christians caught in between. No political party or group has spoken in favor of the Christians, since they are politically inconsequential and economically backward in the state. Whipping up anti-Christian sentiments is the fastest ticket to gaining popularity, with many a minion fundamentalist, especially those influenced by 'Wahabism', taking potshots at will. All those who have converted have done so, knowing fully well the consequences and reportedly buckle down only under extreme torture and pressure, for there is no one to hear their cry. But there are enough numbers of those who are prepared to die for Christ - the issue is should we let them? 5. Muslims well organized to protect the faith Noted clergyman & Hurriyat Conference chief, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq recently launched a well networked multi-faceted Majlis Tahafuz-e-Imaan (Committee for Protection of Faith) to "thwart nefarious designs of pervasive forces and the deep-rooted conspiracy of making youth apostate and defectors by giving them concessions and benefits secretly". It aims to make people "aware of missionary tactics and this would be exposed before public to safeguard Imaan (faith) of our brethren". The website (www.tahafuzeiman.org) further adds "Though the fundamental goal for this organization is to thwart catastrophic missionary activities however it cannot dissociate itself from immunizing its own people with injections of Quran and Authentic Sunnah. These are noble ideals and one must stand up for one's belief. However, the fear is that such advocacy can well be misused at the lower level, with little control or machinery to check the abuse in the name of protecting the faith, including taking law into one's hand. Imams (clerics) at the Friday prayer gathering preach against apostasy, mentioning Christians and with one even referring to a Korean couple to be targeted next. 6. Persecution history of death, churches burnt & mayhem There have been instances of Christians killed and property destroyed mysteriously, even until recently, besides dozens facing grievous inquiries, but here is the track record of over 20 years that cannot be denied. Christians in the Kashmir Valley have faced the fundamentalist wrath earlier. One was when it was alleged that the Alaska Mosque was desecrated by the Israelis in the mid-sixties Arab-Israeli war and the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in the heart of Srinagar at Maulana Azad Road was set ablaze. Another, when a book titled Book of Knowledge was discovered from the Government Degree College (Anantnag) in the early seventies and the All Saints Church, Srinagar was ransacked, set ablaze and copies of the Holy Bible desecrated. In November 2006, a convert from Islam, Bashir Ahmed Tantray, was shot dead by Islamist extremists in Baramullah district. Recently The All Saints Church was burnt again and in September 2010, Muslim mobs burned a school and a church in Tanmarg district. On 26 February 2011, a school run by a Christian family was burnt. Among the other schools torched by extremists are The Tyndale Biscoe School (Tangmarg), The Good Shepherd School (Pulwama), etc 7. Hundred percent Muslim Kashmir – Christian dilemma in J & K India will soon have a 100 percent Muslim Kashmir region, since returning back to their homes for the Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs and now Christians is impossible, given no political will and hostile conditions. The government's inaction both at the state and federal level is greater cause for worry, as Christians in the valley are left at the mercy of the fundamentalists and allowed to perish. The non-existence of even a superficial state minorities commission or an effective human rights / women / child commissions, makes it even more difficult for the truth or the exact impact of persecution to be brought to light. The National Minorities Commission which visited J & K along with a fact finding team has been able to do little. It placed on record though that they found no evidence of force or fraud in baptisms. The government has not been able to quickly investigate the allegations made against the Christians and publicize its findings to prevent rumours from gaining currency and set the matter to rest. No relief of any kind from the administration has been received by the victims, nor is there any hope of it. The government calls these refugees or internally displaced persons migrants to deny them any assistance. Democracy, Federalism, Secularism, Harmony & Minority Rights at Stake The union and state government must take a firm stand on the issue, as it has wide repercussions for the country and its citizens as a whole. On the altar of sacrifice, in case of mishandling of J & K issue is the very existence of India as a secular and democratic federation. The minorities are already facing a common enemy in terms of a belligerent and violent Hindutva saffron brigade and are reeling under attacks - both direct and subtle. A further division among minorities, who are united all over the country will only be to the advantage of communal forces. Fundamentalism of by any faith needs to be condemned and the rule of law in the land must prevail, not that of might is right. This is especially true for present-day India, which is looking at taking its rightful place as a world superpower. Fr. Jim Borst - Serving J & K for 50 years Rev. Father Jim Borst, Mill Hill Missionary Catholic Priest has been serving the valley since August 1963. He has established two schools under the name and style of Good Shepherd's Mission School - one each at Pulwama and Shiv Pora in the Kashmir Valley. His school at Pulwama was bombed twice by the terrorists and was later set ablaze. The Christian schools have been functioning in the valley since the 19 th Century and have been rendering yeoman's services in the valley.. Tyndale Biscoe School was established in 1865 and St. Joseph's School, Baramulla in 1905 followed by the Burn Hall School, Srinagar in 1954 and Presentation Convent School, Srinagar in early 40s. Besides this the Mill Hill Missionaries had established Cambrigde school and a college too. Juan Marcos Troia, an Argentinian football coach In 2009, Juan Marcos Troia, an Argentinian football coach (star of the documentary, 'Inshallah Football') credited with reviving football in Kashmir has been questioned by the state football association about the funding for his clubs, is now the target of a whisper campaign. Fundamentalists are ratcheting up religious mobilization. His house vandalized, Marcos is now running around asking cops for help. "We have to fend for ourselves," says his dejected wife, Priscilla. Predhuman K Joseph Dhar's Remarks Not all Muslims are terrorists, most of them want to live in peace. But today the situation is so exacerbated that anyone who speaks of Muslim extremism or Islamic terrorism is considered Islamophobic or racist. Hence, no one is willing to stand against the abuses on the minority Hindu Pandits and now Christians in J & K. Why is the government giving all its attention to the Kashmiri Islamists? The answer is: It’s not because they are Kashmiris; it is because they are they know the best way of getting you to listen is to threaten or use violence. Plant a few bombs, hijack the odd plane, mastermind a massacre or two, and suddenly, those in power will beat a path to your door. There will be negotiations, peace talks, and conciliatory proposals and finally, you will get some measure of "justice", according to you. But the Kashmiri Pandits and now Christians are decent, educated people who have always eschewed violence and who, in the face of grave provocation, have never resorted to attention-seeking terrorism. Instead, they have put their faith in Indian democracy, hoping that politicians will recognize that injustice has been done to them and offer some recompense. Sadly, we have failed them. Nobody pays any attention to their cause. Politicians do not regard them as electorally significant enough to merit any concern. As for the rest of the world, when global conferences are held on tension in South Asia and on finding solutions to the Kashmir problem, the Kashmiri Pandits and now Christians don’t even get a mention. They are the invisible people, too uncomplaining to matter and too decent to count for anything. The least we can do is pray for them and support any person or NGO like The CSF, which has taking up their cause.