New Delhi: The delay in disposing of the appeal of the seven Christians of Kandhamal in Odisha, who have been languishing in jail for the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, came in for wide criticism at a function organized by the Delhi Minorities Commission.

“Humanity is being undermined at the altar of religion and that’s why incidents like Kandhamal happen,” said Rajendra Pal Gautam, a minister of the Delhi Government, on October 11 at the release of the Hindi documentary ‘Kaid mein Bekasoor’ (Innocents Imprisoned) at the Delhi Secretariat auditorium.

The documentary was produced by journalist Anto Akkara, who has been spearheading a campaign for the release of the seven innocents.

Zafarul-Islam Khan, DMC chairman presiding over the release of the documentary, expressed shock at the information that “seven innocent people languishing in jail for the last 10 years. It should concern the whole nation.”

“Our mandate is to speak up for the voiceless and minorities. That is why the commission decided to host this program to spread awareness about the shocking injustice to the Christian minorities,” he added.

Akkara called the delay “a shame for Indian democracy and judicial system” because the seven “are in jail to perpetuate a political fraud.”

The journalist has made 27 trips to remote Kandhamal jungles villages and authored the book Who Killed Swami Laxmanananda?

“Let us all lend our voices to the voiceless,” urged Akkara who has been anchoring an online signature campaign for the release of the innocents on www.release7innocents.com. Each signature on this website generates four instant emails to the Chief Justice of India, President of India, NHRC chairman and the Odisha High Court.

Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand, who also addressed the program, warned, “If we fail to protect the minorities, we are falling into the pit.”

The political commentator also added Indians are in trouble if they do not come together for 2019 elections by forgetting their differences.

Sister Anastasia Gill, a DMC Member, said the commission took up the case to awaken the minorities and others to massive injustice to innocent people.

“This is the moment for all the minorities to join hands together and challenge the fascist forces that are trying to divide people in the name of religion,” said the Presentation Sister who practices in the Supreme Court.