Party criticised for refusing to denounce violence against Christians in India

Following the attacks on churches in Orissa, India, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) who were accused of taking part in the violence, have said that they condemn violence. However Christians have said that their words do not go far enough.

The party, which shares power in Orissa state, said that it deplored violence in general. However, the BJP stopped short of criticising it's sister organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad who have been blamed for the recent violence against churches.

Prakash Javadekar, a party spokesperson said, "We always condemn violence. We condemn violence on both sides. We never support violence," reports The Hindu.

Javadekar claimed that the Kui community in Orissa had been heading towards a confrontation with the church for a long time over the issue of conversion. He conceded that some violent incidents had occurred in recent days.

He said, "The BJP-BJD government will conduct an independent inquiry into the incident and peace will soon return to the troubled regions," reports The Hindu.

While the party refused to specifically condemn the attacks on Orissa, they strongly condemned violence in Nandigram by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), describing it as state sponsored terrorism.

Christian charity International Christian Concern (ICC) has said that the BJP's statement against general violence does not go far enough.

It said, "The government of Orissa, where Christians have been the victims of violence at the hands of radical Hindus, has refused to condemn the most recent attacks against Christians, saying instead, 'We always condemn violence'... Why can't you [the BJP] condemn this violence."