Church attacks: When apathy triggers fear

Feb. 6: The once quiet, almost idyllic coastal town of Mangalore where people of different communities rubbed shoulders quite comfortably, is slowly changing in complexion. The many attacks on churches in the town and elsewhere in the district have left people anxious and afraid, particularly as those involved seem to have gained in confidence and are being brazen about their intentions, say residents. They claim that this is now reflected even on schools run by Christians and in admissions made by institutions run by sympathisers of hardline saffron outfits in the region.
The recent report of the Justice Somashekara commission which has hinted that saffron outfits were involved in the attacks on churches in 2008, has only added to the insecurity of the people here, who now feel that their worst fears have been confirmed.
“Although, there have been no major attacks on our religious leaders or locals, the radical groups have succeeded in creating fear among people,” says Mariamma Thomas, an advocate.
Christians, especially women, are now afraid to leave their homes or let their children go out on their own on the streets, she says.
Many here have little faith left in the police and the district administration and don’t seem to think that they can be relied upon during a crisis. Father William, PRO of Mangalore Diocese, alleges that the police and local officers often back the radical groups in carrying out their hate agenda.
Such sentiments find an echo in the Justice Somashekara commission report, which too has indicated that the authorities either directly or indirectly supported those attacking churches and treated ordinary Christians harshly in the process.
“Mangalore society is divided, with even the philanthropic work done by Christian leaders being suspect and conspiracy theories emerging everywhere,” says Naveen D’Souza, a resident of Mangalore. “We are scared as the radical groups have the support of politicians and the administration,” he adds.
But despite the growing threat perception, Sunday services in churches go on as before with no extra security in place to protect the devout.
“To how many places can we provide security? We can put up a mesh around one church, but can we cover all of Karnataka? The only way these attacks can be stopped is if the government takes strong action against those who mastermind them,” says Father William.