News By Sr Joy BS
Mangalore, Sep 17: Everyone knows what happened in the region over the past two days—the attacks on Christian churches, prayer centres, the protesting mobs, and the caning they received. About 200 youths have been put behind bars and now the priority is getting these youngsters out so that their future is not affected by the charges filed against them.
This should be the priority of community leaders. Financial assistance will be required to meet their legal expenses. The community must assist the boys and their parents in this matter. The release of the arrested youths was one of the issues discussed in a meeting held on the evening of Monday September 15 with deputy commissioner Maheshwari Rao and other civil, political, and community leaders.
Fr William Menezes, Fr Vincent Lobo, Fr Anil D'Souza, Sr Joy BS, Sr Rose Margaret BS, and other prominent religious and political leaders agreed that restoring peace in the city was of prime importance. On their part, Christian leaders have demanded that the minority community, their places of worship, and educational institutions, be protected and the desecration of holy places be condemned by the leaders.
They also demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack on Adoration Monastery in Milagres. The peace meet also saw unanimity on a number of issues including the need for cooperation with the civil administration to restore normalcy in the district. Christian leaders also agreed to withdraw their protest gatherings and were assured of adequate protection by the civil administration.
It was also agreed that all those who publish provocative literature, irrespective of religion, should be taken to task according to the law of the land. Another peace meet will be held to chalk out a long term action plan for peace in the city and the district once normalcy is restored.