India's religious minorities condemn attack on Christians

The head of hardline separatist alliance in Indian-controlled Kashmir - - Hurriyat (freedom) Conference Friday said incessant attacks on the churches in New Delhi has threatened Christians and made the community unsafe.

The alliance chairman Syed Ali Geelani has expressed anguish over the increasing attacks on churches in New Delhi and said Hindu communal parties were behind these attacks.

"Due to the changing condition in India, a serious threat to the life, property and dignity of all the minorities has emerged and the new government of India is in haste to accomplish the task of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)," Geelani said.

RSS is a hardline Hindu organization.

Geelani, who is currently in New Delhi, has criticized police action on Christian protesters and demanded an impartial investigation into the incidents.

The attacks on churches provoked Indian Christians to hit streets and stage protests. Indian police has detained dozens of these protesters.

Reports said five attacks on churches were reported in New Delhi since December.

Christian groups blamed hardline Hindu groups for attacks, however Indian police said no such evidence was found and they were investigating the cases.

U.S. President Barack Obama while speaking at the White House National Prayer Breakfast said Mahatma Gandhi would have been shocked by communal violence in India.

His statement is seen as a reminder to India, following his address during his recent New Delhi visit that there was need to promote religious tolerance in India.

Dal Khalsa, a Sikh group (another minority in India) has welcomed Obama's speech and said minorities were at receiving end in India.

Meanwhile, India Friday turned down Obama's remarks saying that no one was unsafe in India and religious tolerance was innate to Indian culture. Endi