Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the conference organised by Christian groups in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged firm action today against the perpetrators of religious attacks and warned against efforts to incite hatred against minorities after a series of attacks on churches in Delhi. (Top 10 Quotes)
"My government will not allow any religious group, belonging to the majority or the minority, to incite hatred against others, overtly or covertly," Mr Modi said at a conference organised by Christian groups in the capital New Delhi.
"We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard," he vowed.
Earlier this month priests, nuns and parishioners clashed with police as they staged a protest near the biggest cathedral in Delhi over a series of vandalism and arson attacks on churches. (
Read Full Speech) "We are relieved that he sent out such a strong message," said Anil Couto, the Archbishop of Delhi. Opposition leader PC Chacko said the PM needs to offer similar assurances to parliament.
Political opponents allege that the PM and his government have failed to rein in Hindu extremists who have been targeting minorities. Late last week, after a convent school in Delhi was vandalised, the PM summoned Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi and asked for the case to be solved immediately.
"I appeal to all religious groups to act with restraint, mutual respect, and tolerance," the PM said today at an event organised by the Christian community to celebrate the beatification of two Indians by Pope Francis late last year.
Since his party came to power, the PM has privately warned BJP law-makers not to make controversial statements that could jeopardise his agenda of economic reform.
The last session of Parliament saw the government unable to push through important legislation because a united opposition demanded an explanation for the "ghar wapasi" (homecoming) campaign being exercised by right-wing groups affiliated to the BJP to convert Christians and Muslims to Hinduism.