Muslim, Christian Leaders Seek Common Platform to Defend Minority Rights in Karnataka

Bengaluru, September 11, 2026: Muslim and Christian leaders in Karnataka have decided to join forces to address concerns affecting minority communities and defend the constitutional rights guaranteed to them.

The decision was taken at a meeting between office-bearers of the Karnataka Region Muslim Okkuta (KRMO) and Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru, along with Christian leaders, at the Archbishop’s House here on Friday.

The meeting focused on building greater cooperation between the two communities and creating a common platform to respond to issues affecting minorities in the state.

The participants expressed concern over what they described as the alleged misuse of the Anti-Conversion Bill, claiming that members of minority communities were being harassed, assaulted and falsely implicated by fringe groups in the name of the legislation.

The leaders also condemned what they described as a growing trend of hate speech and targeted vilification of minority communities.

They said the prevailing situation called for greater unity among minorities and collective efforts to safeguard the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

As an immediate step, the leaders resolved to establish a common forum to take up issues concerning minority communities. They also decided to seek an early meeting with the Chief Minister of Karnataka and approach MLAs and MPs belonging to their respective minority communities to raise the concerns in legislative forums.

Four coordinators were nominated to oversee the proposed initiatives: Tanveer Ahmed and Suhel Ahmed from the Karnataka Region Muslim Okkuta, and Fr. Vinay Kumar and Asst. Bishop Sunil V. Jacob representing the Christian community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen Muslim-Christian cooperation and work together for peace, justice and the protection of constitutional rights.

By Catholic Connect Reporter