“On behalf of the Temple of Understanding” (an international interfaith organization of which Singh is chairman) “and on my own behalf, I strongly condemn the recent incidents of violence by organizations that claim a Muslim or Hindu name but act in a barbaric fashion,” Singh said. “Attacks upon defenseless churches, burning and raping are a disgrace to religion that prides itself on its history of tolerance and non-violence. We fervently appeal to all right-thinking citizens, regardless of their religious or caste affiliations, to rally in condemning all such activities that sully the fair name of Indian culture and bring our great civilization into disrepute around the world.”
Nearly 35 people have died in the violence in Kandhamal district of Orissa that followed the brutal murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23. Violent incidents have also taken place in Karnataka, where several churches have been attacked.