Media Release

Bengaluru, Feb 19: Archbishop Dr Peter Machado of Bengaluru, in a press statement issued here stated that the world stood still in a state of great shock as the horrific attack that killed over 40 Central Reserve Police force (CRPF) personnel and many others injured when terrorists targeted a convoy with a car bomb at Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwana district on February 14, in what is considered as the worst attack ever on security personnel in the State.

It was further stated that the attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwana is despicable. The Archbishop who is president, Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council further stated, “We strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel should not go in vain. The need of the hour is to remain in unity and exercise resilience against all the provocations of the enemy.”

Dr Machdo also president, All Karnataka Unied Christian Forum for Human Rights, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the brave soldiers. Saddened and shocked of the cowardly attack on the CRPF Jawans, the bishops, priests, religious sisters and the lay faithful of the entire Christian community of Karnataka join the nation and the families of the brave martyrs in this hour of pain and sorrow, the statement added. Metropolitan Archbishop Machado stated, “We also wish and pray that the injured soldiers may quickly recover, gain good health and join their dear families at the earliest.” He prayed, “May the souls of the departed brave hearts, rest in peace.”