Survival is our politics now, says CBCI president Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath

India, a land renowned for its incredible diversity, often finds its foundational principles of secularism and religious freedom put to the test. The statement by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and Archbishop of Thrissur, sharply criticizing the Centre's response to attacks on Christians in North India, brings these crucial debates to the forefront. This incident is not merely an isolated critique but reflects deeper concerns about minority protection, governance, and the very fabric of India's pluralistic society.

To understand the gravity of the Archbishop's statement, it's essential to grasp the background. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) is the apex body of the Catholic Church in India, representing its vast community and often acting as a voice for the religious freedom and social welfare of Christians. In recent years, there have been increasing reports from various parts of India, particularly in the northern states, detailing incidents of violence, harassment, and discrimination against Christian communities. These range from disruptions of prayer meetings to vandalism of religious symbols and physical assaults. Often, government responses have attributed these incidents to 'fringe groups' or localized disputes, downplaying any broader pattern or systemic issue.

Archbishop Thazhath's intervention directly challenges this narrative. He questions the Centre's assertion that such attacks are merely the work of 'fringe groups,' asking pointedly, 'If so, why the silence? Why no public condemnation?' His powerful assertion, 'Silence is not neutrality — it is complicity,' encapsulates a growing sentiment among minority communities and civil society that a lack of strong, unequivocal condemnation and effective action from the state can be perceived as tacit approval or indifference, thereby emboldening perpetrators.

Key stakeholders in this issue include, first and foremost, the **Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)** and its President, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, who are advocating on behalf of the Christian community. Their role is to uphold religious freedom and protect the rights of their followers. Second, the **Government of India (The Centre)** is a crucial stakeholder, as it bears the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and upholding constitutional guarantees. Its response, or lack thereof, has significant implications. Third, **religious minority communities, specifically Christians**, are the direct beneficiaries or victims of the state's actions and policies. Lastly, the so-called **'fringe groups'** are the alleged perpetrators, whose actions often contribute to communal disharmony and violence.

This issue matters profoundly for India for several reasons. Socially, it threatens the country's pluralistic and secular ethos, which is built on mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among diverse religious groups. Politically, the perception of state inaction or bias can erode trust in democratic institutions and fuel communal polarization, potentially impacting electoral dynamics and governance stability. Economically, prolonged social unrest and perceived insecurity can deter investment and disrupt economic activity, although this is a less direct impact. Globally, India's image as a vibrant democracy and a secular nation could be tarnished if concerns about religious freedom and minority rights persist unaddressed, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and international partnerships.

Historically, India has prided itself on its tradition of religious tolerance and the constitutional commitment to secularism. The framers of the Constitution deliberately enshrined provisions to protect religious freedom and minority rights, learning from the painful experience of Partition. However, communal tensions and violence have been a recurring challenge throughout independent India's history, often escalating during periods of political flux. The current debate reflects a contemporary manifestation of these historical challenges, raising questions about whether the state is adequately fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

Several constitutional provisions are directly relevant here. **Article 14** guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. **Article 15** prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Most importantly, **Articles 25 to 28** guarantee the fundamental right to freedom of religion, including the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion (Article 25), and the freedom to manage religious affairs (Article 26). **Article 29** protects the interests of minorities, ensuring their right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture. Furthermore, **Article 30** grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution explicitly declares India to be a 'Secular' republic, underscoring the state's commitment to treat all religions equally and protect religious freedom. Relevant legislative frameworks also include sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that deal with promoting enmity between different groups (e.g., Section 153A) and acts prejudicial to national integration, though the government's perceived inaction on these is the core of the criticism.

Looking ahead, the implications are significant. If the concerns raised by the CBCI and other minority bodies are not addressed effectively through concrete action, it could lead to increased social fragmentation, a deepening sense of insecurity among minorities, and further erosion of India's secular credentials. It might also prompt greater advocacy and activism from civil society organizations and religious institutions, potentially leading to legal challenges and heightened political pressure. The government's response will be crucial in demonstrating its commitment to constitutional values and ensuring that India remains a nation where all citizens, irrespective of their faith, can live without fear and practice their religion freely.