Christian communities have strongly opposed the launch of the movie hate titled Sanatani – Karma Hi Dharma scheduled to be released on Friday (February 7, 2025). They claim that the film portrays Jesus Christ, Christians and Christian services in a derogatory way.
The National United Christian Forum (NUCF), which is a forum of the Indian Conference of the Catholic Bishop, the National Council of Churches of India and the Evangelical Community of India, launched a statement condemning the release of the film Sanatani – Karma Hi DharmaFebruary 7.
“The film contemptively portrays Jesus Christ, Christians and Christian services, distorting the image of Jesus, key aspects of Christian doctrine, particularly the sacrament of baptism and misrepresenting conversion as a criminal activity,” said the NUCF.
“The right to freedom of religion, including the right of a citizen to become any religion of election, is enshrined in the constitution of India, and any attempt to undermine this fundamental right is unconstitutional,” said the forum.
The NUCF also said: “Tribal communities are indigenous people with different traditions, rituals and beliefs that enrich India’s pluralistic fabric. Any attempt to divide them could be seen as a malicious attempt to undermine their fundamental right to land, water and forest. ”
Violence facing Christian communities in Odisha
Stating that there was an agonizing history of atrocities and violence facing Christian communities in Odisha, he said: “The loss of lives, brutal attacks and forced displacement are painful reminders of the dangers of religious intolerance. Apparently, the film is an attempt to perpetuate false narrative, encourage hate and violence among the peaceful communities of the region. “
The NUCF gave examples of recent incidents of violence and hate, particularly in the states of Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, claiming that government machinery failed to guarantee the safety of minorities.
“Enjoying a false propaganda against the fundamental rights of religious freedom to incite violence is deplorable. While we believe and maintain freedom of expression, the same should be exercised with caution so as not to cause the objective of any community or faith, ”said the NUCF.
The forum asked the authorities to intervene and stop the projection of the film and, therefore, avoid the damage and danger that can be caused to the peace and harmony of the region.
Previously, Christian representatives urged Prime Minister Mohan Majhi through the complaint cell to intervene and stop the release of cinema. “The film represents the issue of conversion in a very partial way and seems to be aimed at discrediting the Christian community in the state,” they said.
“We want to say that the ghost of conversion is raised as an excuse to attack and assault Christians. It should not happen in Odisha, which has promulgated the Law of the Law of Freedom of Odisha, 1967, to regulate such activity. The people involved in the film and those who promote it through social networks have been throwing vitriol to the Christian community in general accusing it of irregularities, “said the leaders of the Christian community. They urged the government to not allow the launch of the cinema .
Published – February 6, 2025 10:44 pm ist
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