George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech was one of convincing sincerity, but he might have a difficulty in execution of his words in the future.
"I appeal to all religious groups to act with mutual respect and tolerance. Equal respect for all religions must be in DNA of every Indian, we cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext. I strongly condemn such violence; my government will act strongly in this regard. With this commitment I appeal all religious groups to act with mutual respect and tolerance in true spirit of this ancient nation," Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Vigyan Bhawan in the capital.
He further said "Our government will not allow any religious group belonging to majority or minority to incite violence overtly or covertly. Our government will not allow any religious group to incite hatred against others overtly or covertly. India is a land of Buddha and Gandhi, equal respect for all religion should be in the DNA of every citizen," he said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi appealed to the people of the nation to treat each other with mutual respect and tolerance. He also said that his government would ensure complete freedom of faith for everyone.
There have been five attacks on churches since December. The Saint Alphonsa's Church in South Delhi's Vasant Kunj was vandalised earlier this month while the Holy Auxilium school in Vasant Vihar was robbed this month.