ASIA/INDIA - Campaign by Christian organisations to defend expelled missionary

Mumbai (Agenzia Fides) – Fr Jim Borst is a Catholic missionary who has been working for nearly 50 years on human development for the people of Kashmir. The accusations against him (based on 'conversions') are entirely false. Many Muslim scholars attended the schools under his direction: on the basis of this several Christian organisations in India, led by the NGO, Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), have mobilised in defence of Fr Jim Borst from the Missionary Society of St Joseph in Mill Hill, who, a few days ago was ordered to leave India by 7 April. As reported to Fides, the Christians in India have launched a seven day campaign, urging the civil authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, but also at the federal level, to block the expulsion.
The CSF notes that only three months ago, the Kashmir government had informed the missionary that his residence visa was extended until 2014. According to information gathered by Fides, the expulsion is motivated by the accusation of “conversion work and proselytism in the Muslim population of Kashmir,” an accusation that appears devoid of any foundation. Since 1997, Fr Borst has run two schools in Kashmir, both named the “Good Shepherd”, one in Pulwama and the other in Shivpora, Srinagar. In the past, the missionary also ran St Joseph School in Baramulla and the Burn Hall School in Srinagar.
In these schools, 99% are Muslims and appreciate the work of Fr Jim. Even the current Prime Minister of Jammu-Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, received his schooling in one of the schools run by the missionary. Thus the Christian organisations are counting on him and also placing some pressure through a letter calling for the reversal of the expulsion
In Fr Borst's schools, says the letter, many children from poor families were able to receive schooling, who otherwise would not have been able to. The text of the letter also describes their fear that the Government wishes to create a totally Islamic state in Kashmir, eliminating every trace of Christianity. Several times in recent years the work of Fr Jim has been subjected to investigations and audits (dating back to last year) to ascertain the veracity of allegations, which have always proved to be fabricated and slanderous. This is why Christians are calling for the reversal of the order, which constitutes “a flagrant violation of human rights and religious freedom.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/4/2011)