Bhopal archbishop sees intolerance in country

The archbishop mentioned an attack on some Christians in Jabalpur by a mob that stormed a church alleging conversion.

Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal has said that intolerance had risen since the BJP came to power at the Centre, citing the example of the backlash Bollywood actor Aamir Khan faced after he voiced similar worries.

The prelate, who heads the Christian community in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, mentioned in his pre-Christmas message a sense of insecurity over such incidents and said he was dismayed at the way the actor was criticised.

"I think intolerance has grown in recent times, especially after the new government came at the Centre. Take the example of Aamir Khan, who had shared the concerns of his wife, but the way it was protested by those associated with politics was not fair," he said.

Leaders of the BJP and ally Shiv Sena had hit out at Khan after he said his wife Kiran Rao was disturbed enough to consider leaving India.

The archbishop mentioned a March attack on some Christians in Jabalpur by a mob that stormed a church alleging conversion.

Asked if he had faced intolerance in the state, he termed the Jabalpur incident "avoidable". State home minister Babulal Gaur denied any intolerance.

Source: telegraph India