By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC) has written to the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on the murder of Pastor Rev. B. Sanjeevulu at Vikarabad of Ranga Reddy Dt., and other atrocities on Christians in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
Family of Pastor B. Sanjeevulu
APFC is a state-level apex body of Archbishops / Bishops of the mainline Churches and Church Heads of major Christian Denominations representing the Christian Community in the State.
Four men allegedly stabbed Rev. B. Sanjeevulu several times and beat him with clubs and sticks outside his house and attempted to kill his wife as well on January 11. He later succumbed to injuries in hospital on January 13.
Pastor B. Sanjeevulu died in Yododa Hospital, Hyderabad, on Jan. 13, 2014
Christian leaders in Hyderabad had organised a dharna and protest hunger strike demanding justice to the Pastor’s family from the government and protection to the pastors and Christian Minorities on January 15. A delegation of Christian leaders and legislators also had a meeting with Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and submitted a memorandum to him.
Christian leaders have alleged that the visit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Praveen Togadia and his fiery speeches might have emboldened the alleged Hindu Vahini extremists.
The APFC has requested the intervention of NHRC in the case of murder of Pastor B. Sanjeevulu in obtaining compensation and protection to his family, and in the security of Christian Minorities in our State so that they can exercise their fundamental rights especially the freedom of religion and expression without fear and obstruction.
Christian leaders meet with Hon. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar on Jan. 15, 2014