Sir — The incident of rape of a nun in West Bengal is unfortunate and condemnable. But the way things are progressing, with communal insinuations being heaped on Hindus by political leaders and the Christian clergy in India, and with the Vatican actively interfering in the matter, there is a further danger of polarisation.
Way back in October 1947, it is believed that it was the rape and murder of nuns in Baramulla which prompted India’s then Governor General to order action against the tribal/Pakistani raid of Kashmir. The officials were otherwise was reluctant to take any military action. Similarly, we are reminded of the Jhabua nun rape case when the RSS and the VHP were blamed. large-scale protests took place and Christians even asked the British Government for sanctions against India. It was later found that locals, including Christians and tribals, were involved.