The Christian illegal encroachment of Acharappakkam hillock portion and construction of Church complex disturbing ecology and the adjacent Hindu Temple! [2]

The Christian illegal encroachment of Acharappakkam hillock portion and construction of Church complex disturbing ecology and the adjacent Hindu Temple! [2]

The case is coming up today March 23, 2020: Justices M. Sathyanarayanan and R. Hemalatha on Tuesday [25-02-2020] directed Additional Government Pleader R. Vijay Kumar to take notice on behalf of the Revenue Secretary as well as the Chengelpet Collector and obtain instructions by next month-March 2020[1]. The case is adjourned till the survey was over and fixing the next hearing on March 23, 2020[2]. According to Church version, “Pushpam Adigalar,” a Catholic priest held the charge of St. Joseph church, Acharappakkam in 1965. He reportedly started St. Joseph Elementary School for children there. There were no constructed structures until 2004, as being reported by the Tamil media[3].

How Mazhai Madha myth floated church constructed and the case started [2004 to 2017]:  In 2004, Backiya Regis took charge and he started construction of structures around the statue. It implies that there was a statue earlier and round which he started construction work. The mountain path was encroached and the work started at Pallippet, a Meikaal poromboke area [meant for grazing of cattle]. As vehicles carrying bricks, sand, CTD Bars and other construction materials, that path was encroached and converted into the road. The multi-storeyed buildings built. The Mazhai Madha church was reconstructed. To compete with and confuse the Hindu devotees, the Christians started “special prayers” on Paurnami days in 2005. As more and more Christian crowd started coming there from outside, the local people started objecting to such movements, as it caused a lot of nuisance. Whenever the local people complained to the respective authorities, they used to issue “warning notices” to the Church. They also used to have “dialogue” with the local people. However, the Church did not care and the authorities also did not take any action and thus the illegal activities went on, evidently with their co-operation and blessings. When all these illegal activities had been going on for many years, why, now the Tamil media coves this giving these details is also intriguing. To sum up, all the involved people have been doing this only because of certain extra-official and legal consideration.

Raja, a single man fights?: R. Raja told to the media, “When asked, the Revenue officials informed only four acres of meikaal poromboke land was encroached by the church authorities. But, when we went there to measure, it was revealed that they have encroached more than 60 acres of land. The hillock area coming under the forest department, mountain path and meikaal poromboke area and the areas covered under the department of Archaeology are involved. Initially, I sent registered letters to these departments pointing out the facts. As they did not take action, in other words, have been giving tacit support to the Church people I filed this petition before the Madras High Court”. But, here also, the intriguing factors have been, the authorities in question have been aiding and abetting for the last 14 years. Therefore, sending letters to the same authorities would be futile only. As the government officers change periodically, they do not bother about such letters, unless, they are addressed to their higher authorities, vigilance section etc. But what was done is not revealed in the news coverage. Therefore, as this petition has been in the court, it is right time that people like Subramanyam Swamy to take up and argue, as otherwise, for some flimsy technical reason, the petition would be rejected and the involved would be absolved from all the illegal and criminal activities.

The massive Chruch complex has been built with an agenda: As the issue is critically analysed with circumstantial evidences, the present buildings, guest houses, hotels, road for vehicles and steps for devotees and other infrastructure, it is evident that all have been well-planned and executed with crores of money. Hundreds of lorries carrying construction materials had gone; thousands of workers involved and huge amounts disbursed. Thus, there should be enough documents for al such activities taken place. Moreover, in between, many foreigners were brought here, declaring this Church complex as “International Retreat Centre.” Therefore, all such details are also available. Thus, if the documents are asked for verification before the court, all facts would be out and the involvement of people, officials and departments would be exposed. How the Patta, current, drainage and so many sanctions and clearances have been given, which officers signed those documents would be known, as they are open to the public. Therefore, as the case is posted tomorrow, i.e, 23-03-2020, the concerned should observe the proceedings.

The case should be argued/conducted properly: As pointed out the Court ordered to conduct a proper survey and report to the Court on March 23, 2020. But, the general public does not know what will happen. Who would appear/depose before the Judges, what details they submit etc. “We will redeem temples, reclaim, recover temples,” Temple protection Committees and so on. But, I could not find that any one of them filing a petition to tag themselves in the case. From 25-02-2020 to 23-03-2020, what happened is also not known to the public. Therefore, the case should be argued properly, As the church has already spent crores, they do not mind in spending moe to win the case, as their influence at all levels is well-known.  But, who would support Sothuppakkam R. Raja is not known. There has been one version that the area was leased to them for 99 years lease. If that is the case, who would unlease it? Therefore, as this petition has been in the court, it is right time that people like Subramanyam Swamy to take up and argue, as otherwise, for some flimsy technical reason, the petition would be rejected and the involved would be absolved from all the illegal and criminal activities, as pointed out above.

The support extended to this illegal Church from Archbishop to the Vatican: A Catholic website, “Indian Catholic Matters – A New Home for the Community” gives the following details[4].  Inaugurating the 31st Plenary Assembly of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) of the Latin Church, in Chennai on January 9, 2019 [Wednesday], Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, exhorted the Church in India to pay attention to the needs of the humanity. His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, in his presidential address, made an appeal to the Church in India to revitalise the Evangelization and added to it he insisted “our Evangelization should be full of life, full of love for mission.” Archbishop Anil Cuoto, the Secretary-General read the annual report of the Conference. Archbishop George Antonysamy, the Vice President read the message of Holy Father Pope Francis and Cardinal Filoni the Prefect of Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Archbishop George added India needs the Church and the Church needs India. The Inaugural session began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.

Why Mazhai Madha Church is important and significant[5]: Most Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan the Bishop of Chingleput in his welcome address listed out the reasons why Chingleput is the right place for this 31st Assembly, as it is the land of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Apostle of India and has as part of its diocese the Holy Hill of His Martyrdom. “The patron saint of the diocese St. Joseph, father figure of the Church who guards the Church. Mazhai Malai Madha our co-patroness the mother of the Church – who accompanied the early Church,” he said. Chingleput Diocese which comprises of the civil district of Kancheepuram is the place of other religious people live majority and provides us with the opportunity to be Joy of the Gospel. The seven days meeting of the Bishops will discuss the Theme “The Joy of the Gospel” and will look at the new forms of evangelization and the ways and means – to foster the Evangelization. The assembly will also discuss the matters affecting the Latin Catholic Church in India. There are 132 dioceses and 189 Bishops of the Latin Church in India. The Conference of the Catholic Bishops in India (CCBI) is the largest Episcopal conference in Asia and fourth in the world.

Do the Hindus have such congregation, commitment and work?: The Christians or Mohammedans or opposite ideologists have been working with commitment and highly professional with sophisticated training. Do the Hindus have such training and professionalism? Do the Hintutwa guys could match these people? Most of the guys appear whenever BJP is in power do something, earn money, stabilize themselves and keep quiet. If the BJP is out, they too disappear. But, the opposite ideologists have not been like that. They work continuously or committed people carry on the work for years. As otherwise, all these things could not happen, in spite of their sexual crimes, pedophile offences and other law-breaking sins or sinful law-breakings. So what is the response of Hindus?

© Vedaprakash

22-03-2020

[1] NEWS18, அரசு நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம் கட்டப்பட்டதா? தமிழக அரசு பதிலளிக்க உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு!, LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 25, 2020, 3:35 PM IST.

[2] நியூஸ்.ஜே, மலையை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம் அமைப்பு : தமிழக அரசு பதில் அளிக்க உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு, Feb 25, 2020 06:18 PM.

https://www.newsj.tv/view/tructure-of-the-church-occupying-the-mountain-:-High-Court-orders-response-of-the-Government-of-Tamil-Nadu-36956

[3] விகடன், அத்துமீறிய மழைமலை மாதா நிர்வாகம்… சிதைக்கப்பட்ட மலைக்குன்று! உயர்நீதிமன்ற கெடுபிடி, பா. ஜெயவேல் Published:26-02-2020 at 7 PMUpdated:Yesterday at 7 PM.

https://www.vikatan.com/news/controversy/madras-high-court-seeks-a-report-on-acharapakkam-madha-shrine-land-issue

[4] ICM News,  Pay Attention to the Needs of Humanity, Apostolic Nuncio Urges Church, January 9, 2019 Team ICM News

[5] https://indiancatholicmatters.org/pay-attention-to-the-needs-of-humanity-apostolic-nuncio-urges-church/

The Christian illegal encroachment of Acharappakkam hillock portion and construction of Church complex disturbing ecology and the adjacent Hindu Temple! [1]

The Christian illegal encroachment of Acharappakkam hillock portion and construction of Church complex disturbing ecology and the adjacent Hindu Temple! [1]

How the media has been silent and biased: The English media has been silent about the illegal encroachments, unlawful constructions and dishonest land transactions of the Christians of every order from Archbishop to pastor. Perhaps, about the Acharapakkam encroachment, only, “The Hindu” has reported as follows[1], “A public interest litigation petition has been filed in the Madras High Court accusing the management of Malaimada church situated atop a hillock in Maduranthakam Taluk near here of encroaching upon adjoining areas including forest lands for construction of shops and other structures. Justices M. Sathyanarayanan and R. Hemalatha on Tuesday [25-02-2020] directed Additional Government Pleader R. Vijay Kumar to take notice on behalf of the Revenue Secretary as well as the Chengelpet Collector and obtain instructions by next month. R. Raja, 45, a local resident, had filed the PIL petition with a plea to remove the encroachments. The petitioner claimed that the church itself had been constructed about five decades ago on a piece of land classified as Meikaal Poromboke (land meant for grazing). Thereafter, the management laid a road and began disturbing the ecology of the hill, he alleged and accused it of having constructed many shops last year. Unabated constructions had caused great damage to the animals on the hillock and also the archaeological sites on the foothills, he alleged”. The so-called legal correspondent[2] has no guts to give the past activities of the church leading to such legal proceedings initiated.

The unblushing Christian liars started manufacturing myths: The Christians have been experts in manufacturing lies, converting them into myths and myths into stories and then traditional narratives and finally “history” through “quoted-quoted-quoted” methodology. Even, if proved, they have been unblushing liars and carry on, as they have to protect their status. They do not mind spending money also for such activities. Moreover, they have the support of corrupt government officials of various departments, undue political influence and an unethical gang of foreign elements also. As they have enough influence in the courts, judiciary and related departments and ministries, they manipulate and escape. There have been many classical Supreme and High Court judgments, but, kept in a low profile. Thus, the “Acharapakkam” illegal activities going on since the 2000s  were not discussed in the media. Of course, lakhs of people travelling to Tindivanam and beyond or coming to Chennai have been watching them. The onlookers might think, “the Christians would be behaving only in that way, what we can do,” and leave just like that. But, as this affair has exceeded limits, the media has reported.

How the “Mazhai madha” myth was created?: Their website gives the story as follows[3]: “In 1969 people experienced severe drought all over Tamilnadu particularly in Acharapakkam. Fr. A.Pushpam, the founder of this shrine had arranged for a car procession in honour of our Blessed Mother to intercede for the good shower of rain. When the car procession ended at a place called Nallayan Kundru there was a heavy downpour with thunder and lightning. This astonishing miracle touched everyone and in gratitude, they lovingly named our Blessed Mother as Mazhai Malai Madha and built a beautiful grotto. Rev. Fr. Pushpam who served as a Parish Priest from 1963 to 1973 rendered selfless service. With the same zeal Rev. Fr. Backiya Regis had served this Shrine for 10 years and made it a place of testimony to the faith of the multitudes that come there regularly. The Annual Feast is being celebrated on the first Saturday of October. Thousands of people belonging to various religions gather to express their love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. The shrine caters to the needs of the poor and the marginalized of the society by carrying out various social activities especially for the physically challenged. The Decree proclaiming Mazhai Malai Madha as the Second Patroness of the Diocese of Chingleput and raising the church dedicated to her to the status of a Diocesan shrine was promulgated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Neethinathan on 05^th September 2003 in the presence of his Eminence Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy.”

Does the Melvaruvathur Temple Trust colludes with Mazhai Madha Church?: That Melmaruvathir Adi Parasakti Temple has been there nearby and lakhs of devotees from neighbouring states have been visiting the temple have been well-known. In fact, the Karnataka government allows special busses to come and return. Therefore, it is common for such devotees and tourist pilgrims to go to nearby interesting places. In fact, the bus driver and conductor do such canvassing. Moreover, Bangaru Adigalar, his son and family have been engaged in celebrating Christmas openly, dressing the Amman idol as “Mary carrying Jesus” and so on! The recent marriage also stunned many devotees. The movement of pasters from this church to the temple, participating in “religious harmony” functions have also been noted. Thus, the “Adi Parasakti Amman” and “Mazhai Matha” might be made sisters and new myths floated soon, as has been happening in Kerala. Of course, the myths floated in the case of fraudulent “thomas” have been well-known.

The Acharapakkam encroachment coming to limelight in 2009[4]: There has been 1500 years old Pasypatheswarar Temple on the hillock. Perhaps, in 2004, the Christians planted a concrete cross on the other side. Then, they started lighting lights in the form of “Mariyee vazka” [Ave Maria, Hail Mary]. They reportedly built a small church and then demolished to build a bigger one. But, how these Christians could encroach the other side has been intriguing. Evidently, they violated the provisions of many acts and rules and the officials of Forest, Revenue, local Panchayat, Electricity Board officials aided and abetted them by giving illegal sanctions and connections. Thus, they slowly increased their buildings and enlarged their occupation. In fact, a local VAO had given a complaint to the police[5], but, nothing happened. Incidentally, the Christians started “Paunami” gatherings at the Church to compete with the devotees of the Vajagiri, Sivan Temple. Everyone knows that Christians have nothing to do with such celebrations. Thus, the encounters between the Hindus and Christians started.

Pungavana, VAO, Acharapakkam gave a complaint to the police: As the Police realized the problem and they did not want any confrontation between the Hindus and the Christians, they called the representatives from both and advised. The Christians accepted that they would not encroach further by maintain status quo[6]. However, they continued with their activities and constructions.  Thus, the public themselves started complaining to the police. Therefore, the police also enquired, but, did nothing. Under such circumstances, one R. Raja from Sothuppakkam, a nearby village, filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court with the plea that the Christians have encroached the Acharappakkam hillock portion, illegally occupied 55 acres land and therefore, all the illegal constructions should be ordered to be removed[7]. As they blasted rocks with detonators for building steps, many wild animals have been disturbed and there has been a threat of them entering into nearby towns[8]. “R. Raja, 45, a local resident, had filed the PIL petition with a plea to remove the encroachments. The petitioner claimed that the church itself had been constructed about five decades ago on a piece of land classified as Meikaal Poromboke (land meant for grazing). Thereafter, the management laid a road and began disturbing the ecology of the hill, he alleged and accused it of having constructed many shops last year. Unabated constructions had caused great damage to the animals on the hillock and also the archaeological sites on the foothills.” Justices M. Sathyanarayanan and R. Hemalatha on Tuesday [25-02-2020] directed Additional Government Pleader R. Vijay Kumar to take notice on behalf of the Revenue Secretary as well as the Chengelpet Collector and obtain instructions by next month[9]. The case is adjourned till the survey was over and fixing the next hearing on March 23, 2020[10].

© Vedaprakash

22-03-2020

[1] The Hindu, PIL accuses Malaimada church management of encroaching hillock, Legal Correspondent,, CHENNAIFEBRUARY 26, 2020 01:22 IST, UPDATED: FEBRUARY 26, 2020 01:22 IST

[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pil-accuses-malaimada-church-management-of-encroaching-hillock/article30917396.ece

[3] The so-called “Mazhai Madha” church website: http://malaimadha.org/index.html , and the history floated by them – http://malaimadha.org/About.html – history

[4] தினமலர், அரசு நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமிப்பதாக கிறிஸ்தவ ஆலய நிர்வாகம் மீது புகார், அக்டோபர் 02,2010 , http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=97459&Print=1

[5] வேதபிரகாஷ், கிருத்துவர்களின் நிலம் அபகரிப்பு தொடர்கிறது!, பிப்ரவரி 2, 2010.

[6] https://christianityindia.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/christian-land-grabbing-continues-in-tamilnadu/

[7] நக்கீரன், புறம்போக்கு நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம்!- அகற்றக் கோரிய வழக்கில் தமிழக அரசு பதிலளிக்க உத்தரவு!, அதிதேஜா, Published on 25/02/2020 (17:26) | Edited on 25/02/2020 (17:36).

https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/thamizhagam/government-land-church-chennai-high-court

[8] தினத்தந்தி, மலைக்குன்றை ஆக்கிரமித்து கட்டப்பட்ட தேவாலயம் – அரசு, தொல்லியல் துறை, தேவாலய நிர்வாகம் பதிலளிக்க உத்தரவு, பதிவு : பிப்ரவரி 25, 2020, 06:24 PM.

https://www.thanthitv.com/News/TamilNadu/2020/02/25182449/1119929/Church-built-against-rules.vpf

[9] NEWS18, அரசு நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம் கட்டப்பட்டதா? தமிழக அரசு பதிலளிக்க உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு!, LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 25, 2020, 3:35 PM IST.

[10] நியூஸ்.ஜே, மலையை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம் அமைப்பு : தமிழக அரசு பதில் அளிக்க உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு, Feb 25, 2020 06:18 PM.

https://www.newsj.tv/view/tructure-of-the-church-occupying-the-mountain-:-High-Court-orders-response-of-the-Government-of-Tamil-Nadu-36956

Church, prayer hall, prayer conducted at a house etc and the attack of such places: Secularism and communalism behind! (1)

Church, prayer hall, prayer conducted at a house etc and the attack of such places: Secularism and communalism behind! (1)

Pentecostal Church attacked in Madurai 11-03-2018: The incident happened around 9.30 am when priest Ravi Jacob was taking part in a prayer session. “A gang of 50 men led by a religious outfit leader”, protected by a gunman, entered the church and started attacking M. Ravi Jacob[1]. A prayer home of a Pentecostal church in Sikkandar Chavadi here was vandalized and copies of the Bible were burnt, allegedly by members of a “Hindu right wing group”on Sunday 11-03-2018[2]. Another report says, “Some members, reportedly of the same group”, later went to three other prayer homes belonging to Pentecostal church in nearby areas and verbally abused the pastors and worshippers and threatened to attack the homes if they were not shut in a week[3]. Jacob, the pastor at the Sikkandar Chavadi prayer home, which is a branch of Rhema Church, said more than 10 people, including a person who had an armed policeman as his Personal Security Officer (PSO), came to the prayer home in the morning[4]. “I, my wife, two children and a few others who had come for the prayer were there. The men used abusive language and roughed up me and my wife,” he said. He alleged that they later took out copies of the Bible present at the home, along with his mobile phone and a few other belongings, and burnt them in the street[5].

Christians accused “Hindu Munnani” for attack: Corroborating his allegations, the family who owned the place, which is a small tile-roofed structure in a narrow lane, said the pastor had rented the place a couple of months ago and visited it on Sundays for prayer meetings. Jerome Jegatheesan, pastor of ‘Bethesda Varthaiyin Jeba Veedu’ prayer home in Koodal Pudur, said a group of people visited the home a couple of hours after the incident at Sikkandar Chavadi. “They abused us in filthy language and asked us to stop our activities,” he said. Sasi Sugathiya, a pastor with Living God Church, said two other prayer homes in Koodal Puthur area were also threatened on Sunday. The video of the group threatening one of the prayer homes was uploaded on Facebook by a person claiming to be a Hindu Munnani member. However, there is Christian  material and burning them, but, there was no commotion, as everything was going on the road and the event was evidently recorded ny many [6]. It is appears strange, as the attacker himself to present evidence to the public to prove that he attacked or involved in such act. This is similar to earlier NDTV propaganda about the Gujarat riots where, the Hindutwa group heads were depicted as “claiming themselves with pride that they indulged in such violence.”

Police version of the attack: N. Manivannan, Madurai Superintendent of Police, said a case had been registered based on Ravi Jacob’s complaint against 10 unidentified Hindu Munnani cadre. He, said, “We have identified three persons involved in the incident. However, we are yet to arrest any of them.” On the presence of a PSO, he said the police were yet to confirm that. “If a PSO was present, it will make the identification of the accused easy,” he added. Stressing that there were no attacks on the other three prayer homes, Madurai City Commissioner of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal said the group appeared to have threatened the pastors to close the homes by claiming that they did not have permission. “We have registered cases and appropriate action will be taken swiftly,” he said.  However, it can be noted that politicians like Vaiko accused police that they have registered a case against the “unidentified” persons. Therefore, it is evident that the issue of “illegal churches” has been converted into “secular” and “communal” one.

30 prayer halls in Tamil Nadu receive notice, HC stays closure of one (October 2017)[7]: District authorities have issued show-cause notice to about 30 Christian prayer halls in Coimbatore district alone, threatening to close them down for conducting prayers without prior permission. But, the Madras high court came to the rescue of one such hall, when it stayed a notice issued by a jurisdictional tahsildar to a Sulur-based prayer hall. Concurring with the submissions of P Wilson, senior counsel for the prayer hall, Justice K Ravichandrabaabu said: “The court is of the prima facie view that the petitioner is entitled to an interim relief of stay for a period of four weeks subject to the condition that under the guise of conducting prayers the petitioner shall not cause any nuisance by way to the public.” The judge then ordered notice to the tahsildar concerned and district collector returnable by four weeks. Though Selvasingh Samuel, 37, who is pastor of a prayer hall at Sultanpet in Sulur taluk in Coimbatore district, won the relief for his prayer hall, the pattern as per which the notices were slapped on similar prayer halls in the region is unmistakable. Some of the notices were identical and referred to complaints and apprehension of public order disturbances in the regions concerned. They also raised the bogey of prayer being conducted without prior permission from authorities[8].

Permission given for the construction of a residential house and not for any jamath/prayer hall/madrasa (November 2017): The activists said the complaint was a ploy so that some organisations could continue their “illegal conversions”. Police said they had received complaints from the public that some prayer homes were being running illegally and demanding that these be closed[9]. Incidentally, the Courts have delivered judgments in recent years about the construction of prayer halls, usage of house for conducting prayer etc. In one case, the judge said it has been categorically stated in the stop-work notice that the planning permission was obtained for the construction of a residential house and not for any jamath/prayer hall/madrasa[10]. When there was a specific plan accorded for construction of a residential house, the petitioners cannot deviate and hence the panchayat was right in issuing the stop-work notice and thereafter passing the impugned order of cancellation of planning approval. Proceeding with construction and claiming investment of huge amount on the same cannot be a ground to permit the construction of superstructure to stand there, the judge added[11]. Therefore, if anyone follows the secular rationale of the cases, it has to be applicable to all. However, the secular and Dravidian politicians have taken different stand of accusing the right wing group for the attack.

Complaints from the public that some prayer homes were being running illegally and demanding that these be closed (March 2018): Police said they had received complaints from the public that some prayer homes were being running illegally and demanding that these be closed[12]. This was not a law and order problem, but denial of right to worship and destruction of secularism, the Constitution and democracy, Council president Anthony Pappusamy said in a statement[13]. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Latin Bishops’ Council had condemned the attacks and said it was an effort to “chase away” Christians who had a fundamental right to worship. This was not a law and order problem, but denial of right to worship and destruction of secularism, the Constitution and democracy, Council president Anthony Pappusamy said in a statement[14]. A clip of the group reportedly threatening the persons has gone viral. A case was registered yesterday against 10 Hindu Munnani activists, of whom three have been identified. They said some of the activists, during initial questioning, denied that they had attacked the homes and had only staged protests against persons being allegedly lured for conversion. The activists said the complaint was a ploy so that some organisations could continue their “illegal conversions”. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Latin Bishops Council had condemned the attacks and said it was an effort to “chase away” Christians who had a fundamental right to worship.

© Vedaprakash

14-03-2018

[1] https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/12010044/1064765/Miscreants-vandalise-church-in-Madurai.vpf

[2] The Hindu, Hindu right wing group vandalises prayer home, Pon Vasanth B.A. MADURAI, MARCH 11, 2018 22:09 IST; UPDATED: MARCH 13, 2018 00:03 IST

[3] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/hindu-right-wing-group-vandalises-prayer-home-madurai/article23041946.ece

[4] DNA India, Prayer homes of Pentecostal church attacked in Madurai, Published: Mar 14,2018, 01:30 AM

[5] http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-prayer-homes-of-pentecostal-church-attacked-in-madurai-2593779

[6] Angeline 11 Media works, , Published on Mar 12, 2018; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWgOblb8fuQ

[7] Times of India, 30 prayer halls in Tamil Nadu receive notice, HC stays closure of one, Suresh Kumar | TNN | Oct 24, 2017, 06:39 IST

[8] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/30-prayer-halls-in-tamil-nadu-receive-notice-hc-stays-closure-of-one/articleshow/61193950.cms

[9] Deccan chronicle, Hindu right wing group attacks prayer homes of Madurai’s Pentecostal church, PTI, Published Mar 14, 2018, 1:19 pm IST; Updated Mar 14, 2018, 1:19 pm IST.

[10] DECCAN CHRONICLE, Demolish construction designed to offer namaz: Madras High Court, Published Nov 26, 2017, 1:45 am ISTUpdated Nov 26, 2017, 1:45 am IST

[11] https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/261117/demolish-construction-designed-to-offer-namaz-madras-high-court.html

[12] India today, Prayer homes of Pentecostal church attacked in Madurai, PTI, March 14, 2018UPDATED 12:15 IST (Eds: Recasting overnight story)

[13] https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/prayer-homes-of-pentecostal-church-attacked-in-madurai-1189173-2018-03-14

[14] http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/140318/madurai-pentecostal-church-attack-hindu-right-wing-group-bible-copies.html

Ezra Sargunam, Church planting, land grabbing, politics and communalization under the guise of secularization!

Ezra Sargunam, Church planting, land grabbing, politics and communalization under the guise of secularization!

The controversial Christian priest Ezra Shargunam and his land grabbing activities: In September 2017, when there was rumour about M. Karunanidhi, Ezra Sargunam gave interview to the media and certified that[1], “I met Karunanidhi, he is doing well….He looked at me……” It was surprise for many, as why a Christian priest should have done it, particularly, when Karunanidhi has been an atheist. Of course, Ezra’s role in political circles is considered as “broking”.  While Vaiko is criticized recently [this month, November 2017] for his “Christian” leanings and “crypto-Christian” activities, ironically, he himself dubbed Ezra Sargunam as “false-prophet” citing Bible[2]. He warned that people like him are tigers roaming with sheep’s skin. Thus, the role of Ezra has been intriguing on many accounts. Earlier in his book, he has openly recorded that there is nothing wrong in land grabbing[3]. That is whatever is done in the name of Jesus, it is allowed. Again, there have been court cases, involving him with land grabbing. In this context, what had happened 17 years ago in Gujarat, becomes important in the context.  Interestingly, the same Ezra Sargunam played a crucial role there. He was reportedly involved in a land grabbing case, where he tried to interfere and created “law and order problem.” As he had gone there as “the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minority Commission,” the state authoties pointed out that he was out of jurisdiction and hence they could take action to arrest him for violations. Thus, he prepared to move bail to save his honour. The Gujarat Government also complained to the Government of Tamilnadu.

Karunanidhi asked Ezra Sargunam to return, as he exceeded limits: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, has asked the president of the Evangelical Society of India and chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minority Commission, Bishop Ezra Sargunam, to leave Gujarat and return home immediately, according to the Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Mr. Haren Pandya, here today [06-12-2000][4]. Mr. Pandya showed reporters a copy of the fax message sent by Mr. Karunanidhi to his Gujarat counterpart, Mr. Keshubhai Patel, urging the Bishop in Vyara hospital in Surat district, to return home[5]. The message also assured the Bishop that the issue of alleged attack on a church in Chhindia village of Vyara taluka, against which he launched an indefinite fast, could be taken up with an “appropriate authority” later. The Bishop was forcibly admitted to the Vyara Civil Hospital yesterday [05-12-2000] after his condition deteriorated.

Ezra was trying to instigate local Christians: The message, Mr. Pandya said, was in response to a request sent by the State Government pointing out that the Bishop was “trying to instigate” Christians in Chhindia village and creating a “law and order problem”. The Tamil Nadu Government was also informed that the chairman of its Minority Commission had “no jurisdiction” over Gujarat and had adopted a stance of non- cooperation with the authorities. Virtually blaming the Christians for the dispute over the church in the village, Mr. Pandya said the Government would take “stern action” against anyone found “instigating” people. It was a “deliberate scheme” of the Christians to “defame the BJP government in the State”, he claimed.

Christian plot to grab the land of a tribal: Denying knowledge of the involvement of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the incident of November 26 as alleged by the All-India Christian Council, the Minister said the land on which the “so- called church” was functioning actually belonged to Mr. Puniyabhai Ukadiabhai Kotwalia, a local tribal. Mr. Puniyabhai, who became a Christian some time ago, recently re-converted to Hinduism. On November 29, the Christian Council lodged a complaint with the Vyara police stating that a group of VHP activists “attacked the church” in Chhindia village on November 26 and “desecrated it”. Mr. Puniayabhai, meanwhile, accused Christian leaders of “forcibly entering” the “premises owned by him” and taking away the picture of a Hindu deity.

Conversion trick to create communal tension: While the Council spokesman, Mr. Samson Christian, said the piece of land was jointly owned by seven persons who together handed it over to the local Christian community for building a church in 1996, Mr. Pandya claimed that according to government records, Mr. Puniyabhai was sole owner of the land and inherited it from his father. The “church” was actually a room in his residence which he had “allowed local Christians to use as a prayer hall,” Mr. Pandya said. Mr. Christian had accused the local police of working hand-in- glove with the VHP in attacking the church in the presence of senior government officials including the District Collector and the District Superintendent of Police. Mr. Pandya said the Revenue Department gave Mr. Puniyabhai ownership of the land in June, 1992, as he was cultivating it since 1975. Under the Tenancy Act, he had no authority to sell or re-allocate it to anyone else without the prior permission of the Government and there was no question of his giving the land for construction of a church. But after Mr. Puniyabhai became a Christian in 1995, one of the rooms was used by local Christians as a prayer hall. He re-converted to Hinduism six months ago and since then has refused permission for the room to be used as a church.

Land grabbing Ezra’s style carried on in Gujarat: Contrary to Mr. Samson Christian’s claims, Mr. Pandya said a group of Christians forcibly entered the room on November 26 and removed the picture of a Hindu deity. On a complaint filed by Mr. Puniyabhai, the Vyara civil court issued a stay on December 1 against the use of the land by either sides and fixed the hearing on December 12. The issue could have been resolved earlier but for the adjournment sought twice on November 30 and December 4 by the local Christians on its hearing, Mr. Pandya claimed. He alleged that Bishop Sargunam went on an indefinite fast only after the civil court granted the stay. The Christian Council also filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court against the stay granted by the Vyara civil court. Mr. Pandya also refuted the Council’s claim that 200 Christians had migrated from the village after November 26. The Vyara social justice committee chairman along with some other officials visited the village and found that all the people were staying in their respective houses, he said. No migration had taken place as claimed by Mr. Christian, he stated and pointed out that in the village with a population of 1,500, over 75 per cent were Hindus and the rest Christians.

Local Court granted bail for Ezra, thus escaped from arrest[6]: The Vyara civil court today [14-12-2000] granted anticipatory bail to Bishop Ezra Sargunam, the national president of the Evangelical Church of India, but refused him permission to enter any place within its jurisdiction, which include Chhindia village in south Gujarat, where a church of his denomination was allegedly attacked on November 26, 2000. The Bishop, who is also the chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minority Commission, had filed the anticipatory bail following a criminal complaint filed against him and a few others by the “owner” of the piece of land on which the church stood, Mr. Punyabhai Kotwalia, for allegedly “trespassing” on his property[7]. The Bishop had launched an indefinite fast in front of the church on November 29 demanding restoration of the church, which the Christians claimed was desecrated during the attack and converted into a temple. The Vyara civil court, while granting a stay on December 1 on Mr Punyabhai’s petition that the land was his “personal property,” had also directed the Bishop to stay away from Vyara taluka. The Bishop, who is still here meeting with other Christian leaders, had made it clear that he would take a decision on the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi’s message to return to Chennai only “in consultation with the leaders of the secular forces.”

Ezra indulged in objectionable activities: The Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Mr. Haren Pandya, when asked about the Vyara civil court’s order, said the State Government would ensure that the court order was “strictly implemented” hinting that it would not hesitate to arrest the Bishop if he made any attempt to return to Vyara or Chhindia. The State Home Secretary, Dr V. V. Rama Subba Rao, has written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, informing him about the “objectionable activities” of the Bishop in the State. Like the Chief Minister, Mr. Keshubhai Patel, who wrote to his Tamil Nadu counterpart twice requesting him to recall the Bishop, Dr. Subba Rao has also requested the Chief Secretary to take immediate steps to ensure that the Bishop stopped “interfering” with the law and order situation in the State[8]. In fact, his refusal to leave, created tension in the area[9]. Meanwhile, the State Government has decided to make elaborate security arrangements in the south Gujarat districts to ensure peace during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. At a meeting of the district collectors and district superintendents of police of Surat, Bulsar, Navsari and Dangs districts convened here today by Mr. Pandya and Dr. Subba Rao, it was decided to deploy adequate number of state reserve police and anti-riot Rapid Action Force personnel in the four districts to assist the local police and home guards to maintain peace during the celebrations.

PTI reports from Surat: The sessions court today banned the entry of Bishops Ezra Sargunam and Fr. Raive Ishudas of Chennai into the Vyara sub- division, without the written permission from the court. According to the conditions imposed by the court on the Bishops, the orders would be applicable till the chargesheet was filed against them. The court allowed anticipatory bail applications by the Bishops and dismissed the criminal application filed by Shankarbhai Gamit of Vyara. The Vyara police was directed to enlarge the two Bishops on bail on their furnishing a solvent surity of Rs. 5000 with a personal bond for the like sum each in the event of their arrest in an offence registered by the Vyara police station.  The same news was also reproduced by the Catholic news agency it its own way[10]. “An Indian court has banned a Protestant bishop from entering the area of a disputed chapel in a ruling the bishop says was politically motivated to harass Christians….. Bishop Sargunam, vice chairman of the Minorities Commission of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said he left Gujarat after state authorities refused to meet him…….. The Protestant bishop told UCA News that he had to leave the area because of the state government´s partisan approach toward Christians. Anti-Christian attacks in Gujarat are “State-sponsored vandalism,” he said. More than 100 attacks against Christians have been reported in Gujarat in the last two years.” Thus, the persecution myth went on in their own way[11].

© Vedaprakash

14-11-2017

[1] http://www.tamil8.com/watch.php?vid=f5e16b702

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a08ptEvj1dQ

[3] M. Ezra Sargunam, Multiplying Churches in India: An Experiment in Madras, Federation of Evangelical Churches of India, 1974, Madras, pp141-142.

https://christianityindia.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/nothing-illegal-in-encroaching-land-for-church/

[4] The Hindu, Karunanidhi asks T.N. Bishop in Gujarat to return, By Manas Dasgupta, Thursday, December 07, 2000.

[5] http://www.thehindu.com/2000/12/07/stories/0207000l.htm

[6] The Hindu, Bail granted to Bishop, By Manas Dasgupta, Friday, December 15, 2000

[7] http://www.thehindu.com/2000/12/15/stories/02150005.htm

[8] The Tribune, Bishop’s refusal to leave causes unrest, December 9, 2000.

[9] http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001210/nation.htm – 8

[10] UCAnews, Protestant bishop leaves after Hindu state head refuses to meet, December 15, 2000.

[11] https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2000/12/15/protestant-bishop-leaves-after-hindu-state-head-refuses-to-meet&post_id=17391