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‘Protect the rights of minorities’: Catholic sabha to candidates
In its ‘People’s manifesto for general elections 2019’ the sabha has stated that candidates must strive to maintain a safe living atmosphere for all citizens, especially Christians.
With Mumbai scheduled to vote on Monday, the Bombay Catholic Sabha has sent its manifesto to the candidates with an emphasis on protecting the rights of minorities. In its ‘People’s manifesto for general elections 2019’ the sabha has stated that candidates must strive to maintain a safe living atmosphere for all citizens, especially Christians. It has also demanded that the representatives must ensure freedom to practice one’s religion without fear and administrative and political measures must be taken to stop violence against minorities and their institutions.
The manifesto states, “Initiate strong legal action against those political parties and their leaders who instigate and condone violence for reaping political gains. Make a serious effort to rein in the anti-social elements who attack minorities on religious and cultural issues with the alleged backing of political parties.”
The Bombay Catholic Sabha is one of the largest Christian organisations in the country with a membership of over 58,000 in Mumbai. According to its website, it also has units in four districts of Maharashtra. In its manifesto, it has also put forth various demands in the sectors of education, health, economy, electoral reforms, environment and women empowerment.
Bento Lobo, secretary general, Bombay Catholic Sabha, said, “Even in 2014, we presented our demands to the candidates. These are a set of pressing issues, which the community feels that the candidates must look into.” With an increasing number of crimes being reported against minorities, many community members are not for another term of the current government.
