The New Delhi police has launched a Facebook page in an effort to address Christian persecution in the capital.
According to the Business Standard, the new Facebook page 'Delhi Police Minority Brethren' will provide Indian Christians with a forum to discuss and make known their views on the law and order situation in New Delhi with regards to their churches and communities.
"Dear Christian brothers and sisters, this page has been designed by Delhi Police to add a forum for all Christian people in Delhi to put across their views regarding law and order situation in Delhi with special reference to the security of our churches and educational institutions," the page said in its first post.
The move comes nearly a month after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise to address the issue of persecution being faced by religious minorities in India, particularly Christians and Muslims. Speaking during the canonisation of two new Indian saints in Vigyan Bhawan, Modi said that his government would ensure that religious freedom is observed in the country.
"My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence," the Prime Minister said.
The statement came after months of silence from the Prime Minister, who bears the standard for the right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Prime Minister's vow of religious tolerance sparked debate from various personalities in India.
"The PM's message was aimed at those who attack other religions. It's the Christian missionaries which publish literature insulting Hindu deities, run hate campaigns and insult Hinduism in general," Vishwa Hindu Parishad's Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain alleged in an article in the Times of India.
The statement was welcomed by leaders in the Muslim and Christian communities, but they also urged clear action from the government to follow up on the Prime Minister's promise.
