Teesta Setalvad joins Mumbai protest against Christmas-time attacks on Christians
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Mumbai: Social activist Teesta Setalvad joined hundreds of citizens in Mumbai's Goregaon on Friday to protest against the targeting of the Christian community during the Christmas season. The demonstration was organised to condemn alleged instances of hate and intimidation by right-wing outfits across the country.
The event, spearheaded by the Samvidhan Jaagar Yatra Samiti (SJYS) and the Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS), saw participation from community members and civil society representatives. Participants held a silent protest, displaying placards denouncing religious violence and communal hatred.
Teesta Setalvad, Secretary of Citizens for Justice and Peace, termed the recent incidents across several states as "systemic," arguing that they reflect a disturbing level of impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators.
"Swift public condemnation from political social and literary figures is called for. This timely peaceful protest by Christians and fellow citizens is the beginning of Indians calling for peace and constitutional governance," Setalvad said.
Bombay Catholic Sabha spokesperson Dolphy D’Souza emphasised that the violence cannot be dismissed as mere administrative failures. "Such attacks are not isolated law and order issues. They strike at the heart of our Constitution, at the freedom of conscience, the right to profess and practise religion, and the right to worship without fear," he stated.