E/CN.4/1997/91/Add.1 page 12 2. Other fields 52. The integration and development of the Muslim minority within Indian society is a process that entails rough going owing to the violent armed conflict in Jammu and Kashmir and also to Hindu political extremism, the common denominator of these two factors being the exploitation of religion for political purposes, which is an alien practice and detrimental to Indian Muslims and to Islam. 53. The particular circumstances prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir are giving rise to concern regarding the future of Muslims in Kashmir. In several respects they seem to have become hostages in a conflict primarily involving two countries: India and Pakistan. In addition, and throughout India as a whole, the destruction of Babri Masjid and the intercommunal rioting in Bombay (see the communications from the Special Rapporteur mentioned above) have deeply traumatized Muslims. This traumatism, which is still being experienced, calls in question the peaceful coexistence of the communities within Indian society. 54. These painful experiences also throw light on weaknesses within the Muslim community. The latter must invest more in the education of its members to enable them to participate more actively within India and within civil society, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. B. Situation of Christians 55. According to the information received, Christians constitute the second largest minority in India. 1. (a) Religion Practice of religion and conduct of religious affairs 56. The religious and civil representatives of the Christian communities have stated that, generally speaking, the authorities do not interfere with their internal religious activities, which may be carried on freely. This is true in particular of the practice of worship and religious traditions and of the management of the affairs of each religious institution. 57. However, attention was also drawn to the existence of Hindu extremism, encountered in varying degrees within ultra-nationalist political parties or parties attracted by ultra-nationalism (RSS, VHP and BJP). 58. It appears that in some States Christians are affected - marginally, but in a tangible and negative fashion - by this Hindu extremism. It is said that their proselytizing activities are sometimes hampered by abusive official interpretations of legislation prohibiting all forced conversion, or by accusations of obtaining conversions by offers of material benefits, and thus of exploiting hardship. To give one example: a BJP official is alleged to have stated that Mother Teresa was interested not in the welfare of the poor but in their conversion to Christianity. It appears, too, that in certain