By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, April 11, 2020: An international Christian concern has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release those imprisoned under “false conversion” charges, as a goodwill gesture at the time of Covid-19 pandemic
“We request you to release all the prisoners who are in various jails across India, imprisoned under false cases of conversion, booked under the Religious Freedom Act or are in jail because of their faith in Jesus Christ,” the Persecution Relief wrote to the prime minister on April 11, the eve of Easter, the Christian feast to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Christian concern thanked the prime minister for his “wonderful greetings” to the nation on April 10, on the occasion of on Good Friday that commemorates Christ’s death of the cross.
“Lord Christ devoted his life to serving others. His courage and righteousness stand out and so does his sense of justice. On Good Friday, we remember Lord Christ and his commitment to truth, service and justice,” says the Persecution Relief’s letter signed by its founder president Shibu Thomas.
The letter also says “true liberty” is possible only true righteousness exists, with people “living responsibly under God as citizens of both His kingdom and this great country. Righteousness and liberty are inextricably interwoven.”
The Christian group, a registered non-profit charity in Washington, predicts that India’s future would be beyond anyone’s imagination.
“India will always rise to the challenge and overcome adversity. With God all things are possible and we are sure and confident that you will take India to great heights,” the letter says.
The Christian concern also brings to the prime minister’s attention a call from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to release all religious prisoners of conscience.
The US federal body, created in 1998, reviews violations of religious freedom internationally and makes policy recommendations to the US authorities.
It has called on governments to release all prisoners held because of their religion or belief around the world.
“Globally, an untold number of victims are held behind bars unjustly for exercising their freedom of religion or belief,” USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins was quoted as saying. “We call on governments to release all prisoners wrongly detained and, in the meantime, provide adequate health conditions and safety for those who must remain behind bars.”
The Persecution Relief chief expressed the hope that the prime minister would take “immediate action” on his request. He then prayed that God shower his wisdom and knowledge in abundance on the prime minister to guide India that is going through a “tough situation” because of the pandemic.
“As always the Church stands with you in prayer and also to fulfill the social responsibilities towards India during these times,” he adds.