HINDU NATIONALISM AND THE MURDER OF AUSTRALIAN MISSIONARY

Early day motion 482, tabled 23 March 1999 by Baroness King of Bow (Labour). Signed by 60 members.

That this House condemns the murder of Graham Staines and his two sons who were burned to death in their car on Saturday 23rd January by Hindu militants belonging to Hindutva Parivar; notes that this incident comes at the end of another year of violence against Christians in India by Hindu militants, which culminated in the destruction of churches and chapels over the Christmas period; further notes that the United Christian Forum for Human Rights in India has released a document under the title of 'Open White Paper' which details 113 reported incidents of attacks on Christians in India in the last two years; expresses deep concern at the inaction of the authorities amid increasing violence against Christians in India; urges the Indian Government to outlaw the 'hate speech' which incites violence, and to provide adequate protection to members of minority groups who are under increasing threat from Hindu militants; and urges the British Government to demand that the Indian Government brings to justice the perpetrators of this crime and takes immediate action to end violence against Christians.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 10, Labour/Co-operative 4, UUP 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.