SARV DHARM SAMBHAV

Parishad and Christian groups in Kerala together.
The two have decided to join hands to combat the ''social evil'', which theyclaim is hitting their respective communities hard. ''Both Hindu and Christian girls are falling prey to the design. So we arecooperating with the VHP on tackling this. We will work together to whateverextent possible,'' K S Samson, an office-bearer of Kochi-based ChristianAssociation for Social Action (CASA), a voluntary Christian association,told TOI. Samson said some days ago, CASA got to know about a Hindu family in aChristian parish where a school going girl was the victim. ''We immediatelyreferred it to the VHP,'' he said, adding the saffron outfit has helped themin many cases. The Parishad on its part has started a 'Hindu Helpline', which claims tohave received as many as 1,500 calls in last three months. ''Many of these callers wanted to congratulate us for our efforts and somewere threats,'' said Vineesh, who manages the helpline. The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council has come out with a set of guidelinesfor Christian parents warning them to be more careful about their wards. ''It's shocking but it is happening. Many Christian families are gettingaffected,'' said Father Johny Kochuparambil, secretary of Council'sCommission for Social Harmony and Vigilance. ''We are careful as this is a sensitive issue and could even lead to areligious conflict. But now that the Kerla high court too has interfered inthe matter, we have decided to take a stand,'' said Kochuparambil. The high court has asked the DGP to probe the charges and report to it.