Lucknow: As all institutions including educational and health run by Christian organizations in the city remained closed on Thursday to protest against recent attacks on the community members and churches, over 3000 people from all walks of life and faith assembled at the GPO to express solidarity with their Christian brethren. It turned into an `all religious minorities platform’ with Christian, Sikhs, Muslims, Jains and Buddhist pledging support to each other in fight against fundamentalist and communal forces.

Addressing the gathering, all religious leaders demanded that culprits be brought to books and warned that failing to take action would be a sign of government involvement in atrocities being committed. UP Masihi Association (UPMA) handed over a memorandum to the DGP and later met governor demanding security of their institutions, reported The Times of India.

“The secular nature of India is like flowers representing different religions and faiths bunched together with the string of humanity and it is our duty to stand up for each other,” said Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad, adding, “Muslims and Hindus should learn from the Christian community that has worked selflessly to provide quality education to children of all faiths. We on the other hand, open minority institutions that are specific to our respective communities.”

It was an eclectic mix of robes, turbans, scarves and skullcaps, sending out a message against consistent attacks on minorities. Braving the sultry weather with umbrellas and songs, prayers and speeches marked the ‘Black Day’ of protest. Hindus were also present in large number.

“Recent attacks in the country have not just hurt sentiments of the country, they are an attack on democracy and constitutional rights,” said Bishop Phillip Masih, adding, “Those who doubt our patriotism, must consider our percentage in terms of service to the army, or for the poor, patients and needy. Attacks have increased in the past one year but Central government has remained silent.”

Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangimahali said, “There have been continuous attacks on Christians and Muslims, which calls for our unification. If Muslims are in trouble, all minorities should stand up and vice versa. The government wears a secular mask even as communal forces continue to spew venom against us.”

Jains too were present to support democratic rights of the minorities. “It is not right for anyone to hurt religious sentiments of others,” said Rama Jain Agarwal, secretary, Jain society.

Gurumehr Singh from the head committee of Charbagh Gurudwara said, “In such times, we have united to appeal to the government to arrest the culprits and take strict action,” he said.

Reiterating a CBI probe into various attacks on churches, UPMA secretary R K Chattree said, “All attacks in last six months have the same modus operandi, which indicates role of the same group.”

Media should stop branding only Muslims as minorities, which makes them an easy target for divisive forces. A front made of Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists would be stronger against the communal minded.

Professor M Z Khan, Teacher at IET

Both Central as well as state government must take immediate action by putting culprits behind bars. Proper protection must be given to all the religious places of the minority communities which are otherwise under threat.

Harpal Singh Jaggi, President of Sadar Gurudwara

Continuous attacks on Christian institutions, churches and priests and nuns in various parts of the country in the past few months speak of the cowardly acts of the miscreants.

Caroline Borges, Teacher

It is disheartening to see a religious community which has immensely contributed in the field of education and health being targeted unnecessarily.

Shikhar Khatri, Student