TEXT :
16.00 hrs.

PROF. P.J. KURIEN (MAVELIKARA): Sir, first of all, I would say that I will not take much time. But I would confess that having listened to the debate in this House, I felt a little bit sorry because on either side, the trend of the discussion was as if we are trying to divide the House. That is not correct. We should not have done that.

My first point is that the atrocities on the minorities are on the increase. It is a fact and even the Government has not denied it. The atmosphere of intolerance has developed. I agree that it is also correct. But that should not be a reason to divide the communities or religions. We should find out the root cause and try to find remedies. The root cause is simple. I will be frank in telling this. It is a misinterpretation of the Hindu ethos by a small group which led to this situation. We read in the Vedas and the Upanishads about the Vasudeiva Kutumbakam. It means that the world is one family. In the Bhagavad Gita, we read that like all the rivers reach the sea, all faiths reach the Ultimate Truth, the God. We have the answer to the man's search for the Ultimate Truth in Aham Brahmasmi and Tat Tvam Asi. If these are the tenets of the Hindu religion, how can a small section of people misinterpret it and develop intolerance?

I would submit that intolerance is totally out of place as far as Hinduism is concerned. Being a Christian myself, I have no hesitation to say that Hinduism is one of the most tolerant religions in the world. I have no hesitation to say that.

In Cochin, if you go today, there is a Jewish Synagogue. Hundred years Before Christ, Jews came to India. They lived in peace and harmony till a couple of years back. Even today there are about seven Jewish families. In the first century A.D., Saint Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ, came to Kerala. He was received by the Hindu ruler. We have Christianity in Kerala from the first century A.D. And till we got Independence, Christians were protected--I underline the word `protected'--there, by the Hindu rulers. Near my village there is a place called Kallupadam. My friends will be knowing that. There, we have a church which is separated only by a wall from a temple. The church is 500 years' old.

The Hindu ruler found a dead body of a Christian being taken to a distant place through the Mani Mala River. Having seen the body being taken to a distance place, the Hindu ruler called that family and asked: "Where are you taking the body?" The family replied, "To a distant place for burial." Then, the ruler said, `Have a Church here, have a burial ground here.' The church which is 500-year old is even today separated only by a small wall from a temple. It is only seven kms. from my residence. The name of the place is Kallupadam. This is the great tradition of this country. Does the Hindu ethos or tenets or tolerance of our great tradition has no place? That is one thing.

Secondly, why has this intolerance developed? This is the basic question. A small group, the frontal organisation of the ruling party, wrongly understands the perception of Hinduism, spreads intolerance and naturally reaction is there from the other side also. Therefore, this kind of thing is happening.

Today, we are unnecessarily taking it beyond a point. Let us find corrective measures. The Muslim community is the largest minority. In Kerala, I would say, in two-three districts, they were living in full harmony for centuries. Nobody will say that any Muslim there is not a patriot. Nobody will say that any Christian is unpatriotic. We have no such charge that anybody is calling any Christian or any Muslim, unpatriotic or anti-national. We have no such charge. That is not the issue here. The basic issue is that atrocities are actually committed on some sections of minorities. What is the solution? I have a solution.

The hon. Home Minister is saying that his Government will take steps. When will your Government take steps? Is it after atrocities are committed? What is needed is prevention of atrocities. Can you prevent it? It can be prevented only by a political decision. We want the political leader in the hon. Home Minister, Shri Advani, to ensure that the frontal organisations of the B.J.P. do not encourage intolerance in the country.

16.10 hrs (Mr. Speaker in the Chair)

Coupled with that, if they take governmental actions, then this can be sorted out. I do not think that this can be stopped only by Government action. Therefore, I would request the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to please see the political aspect of it and ensure that the Ruling Party and its frontal organisations do not resort to such a campaign which will encourage atrocities on the minorities, so that they are forced to believe that the Government of the day is supporting them in these atrocities. I hope that he would give an assurance to this House in this regard.

With these words, I conclude my speech.