Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Missionaries' plight

Sir, — A Christian Minister came to India to speak about Jesus to an audience which wanted to hear about his teachings. He was attacked by anti-Christian elements. Others of the same feather, instead of condemning the assault, attacked the Christian. Now he is asked to leave the nation before he is able to carry his bag in his wounded hand. His crime — he preached his religion, but on a tourist visa.

I have a few questions: If a missionary wants to come to India to preach the gospel, will the Government grant visa? How many preachers of Christian faith were granted visa in 2002 or in the recent past to come to India and how many Hindus were granted visa for religious work vice versa? How many of the foreigners staying in hundreds of Hindu mutts and religious centres across the country have visas specifically for religious activities? If not, why aren't they ordered out? Do all the Hindu religious leaders who flock foreign countries go there with visas specifically for religious activities?

I wonder what will be India's fate if the Western countries take such a stand against the Hindus.

Simon John,
Punalur, Kerala

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