Visakhapatnam: Dejected over the non-implementation of their rights issued by the state government, as many as 5,000 people from the Christian community will come together on August 25 for a Maha sammelan to register their protest at Bheemili. “Christians in Andhra Pradesh are a dejected lot as they are unable to enjoy the facilities extended by the government towards them. The RTI replies received from Mandal revenue officers (MRO), district collectors and minority welfare officers from the state, reflect the apathy shown by the various offices towards the GOs issued by the government to safeguard the interest of the minorities,” claimed Oliver Rayi, founder president Christian Welfare Association (Bheemili).

The state government had issued various GOs for the welfare and protection of the Christian community, but implementation of those are at stake due to callousness of the ground-level officials, he alleged. For instance, there was a GO in 2009 directing all MROs to constitute a Burial Ground Advisory Board and through that take necessary steps for setting up and running a Christian burial ground, but till date the majority of the MROs have failed to do the same, he said.

“The 10-year action plan for the development of minorities is yet to be framed. Christians could avail the fund to build churches under government schemes, but to no avail. Similarly, there is apathy being shown in issuing various certificates,” he alleged. “We will take our woes to the political leaders urging them to direct the concerned officials to take necessary action towards the problems of the Christians. We will also sensitise our community people about their rights they are privileged for,” said Rayi. This maha sammelan will later be taken to all district headquarters in a phased manner. Even so, if the woes of the Christians were not addressed, the community has threatened to launch a statewide movement.