Raipur: A grassroots ecumenical organization has expressed concern over the abuse of religious identity for political objectives through an ideology of religious nationalism by groups collectively known as the Sangh Parivar.
The Raipur Churches Development and Relief committee (RCDRC) in a declaration said that unabated intolerance and targeted violence against minorities in general and the Muslim and Christian communities in particular by various associate organizations of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), with state impunity and the tacit support of the administrative and police apparatus has created an environment of fear in the country.
The silencing of voices of the people, and impediments to the freedom of speech and expression has serious consequences for the future of democracy in the country, the declaration said.
It noted that dissent is an important component of the political empowerment of the people in a democracy.
“This is sought to be curtailed if not entirely smothered by the State and non-state actors in pursuit of their fascist-corporate-casteist agenda. The recent shift in Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules and the restriction on NGOs and the cancellation of the registrations of various advocacy groups are steps by the government to extinguish Civil Society,” the declaration stated.
The declaration expressed the determination of the RCDRC to protect and sustain the secular, socialist and democratic fabric of the country.
The declaration also expressed concern over the current development paradigm that is not sustainable as it is profit and greed oriented.
“Most of the natural resources of India involving land, forest and water bodies are fast depleting due to excessive exploitation through both the extractive industries as well as insatiable urbanization process.’’
Small and marginal farmers whose livelihood is dependent on natural resources are facing increased hardship due to shrinking of farmland and decaying of soil health, the declaration noted.
The RCDRC urged the government to promote production, distribution and consumption of food products to manage effectively by diversifying food grains.
Faith based organizations should take pro-active steps in promoting low-carbon and life-giving agriculture, which are sustainable, climate resilient and less dependent on market driven agriculture models, the RCDRC said.
The Raipur Declaration was issued at the end of the 40th anniversary celebration of the RCDRC held last month in Raipur, Chattisgarh.
About 150 social activists, church and community leaders, theologians and intellectuals gathered to celebrate the three-day anniversary the RCDRC, who has accompanied hundreds and thousands of deprived, dispossessed and Dalits in their pilgrimage for liberation, justice and peace, based on Christian faith.
The peoples who addressed the celebration and thanksgiving events include, Shashi Sail, Bishop Anand Chandu Lal, John Dayal, Rev Satish Gyan, Dinesh Suna and Sunil Caleb.
Rajendra K Sail, founder of the RCDRC, said that the celebrations had paved the way for the future ministry of Love, Justice and Peace in the times of trials and tribulations today.