Kottayam: The head of the Malankara Orthodox Church, His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, said organisations linked to the RSS, such as Bajrang Dal and VHP, were behind the recent attacks on Christians.

He said that after the attack on nuns, they turned to the priests and are now disrupting Christmas celebrations held outside church premises, warning that it won’t be long before such incidents occur inside churches as well.

He added that while all religions have fanatics, it is the responsibility of the government to act against such elements. However, when government leaders fail to do so, it gives the appearance that such attacks are part of a deliberate plan, which the minorities and Christians will take note of, he added.

He also reminded the public that the freedom of religion and freedom to build places of worship are constitutionally guarded rights.