BCS press release

Mumbai, Jan 30: The Bombay Catholic Sabha has condemned the unwarranted attack on Bishop Thomas Dabre of Vasai Diocese, priests Frs. Oneil Faroz, Philip Vaz and Andrew Rodrigues while they were inaugurating the Suryodaya Ashram, a hostel for the tribal children in the Ghosali Village, Mukada Taluka on January 29 at around 1.30 pm, says the BCS president Dolphy D'Souza in a press release.

The miscreants who allegedly belonged to the Bajrang Dal and Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad numbering over a hundred were armed with sticks and started sloganeering and throwing stones on those who had gathered for this function. This was intimidation of its worst kind. Had it not to be for the strong opposition of the local villlagers who repulsed the attack by the hooligans, something worse could have happened, says the press release.

In the melee one of the priests was hit by a stone and injured. The Ashram has been damaged by the stone throwing and there is fear in the village as to what next could happen.

These fascist elements should appreciate the good work done for this marginalised section of society. To destroy is easy to construct is difficult. and we request them to have the guts to follow this example, says the press release further.

The BCS has taken this matter with chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and deputy chief minister and home minister R R Patil to ensure that adequate protection is provided for Bishop Dabre, Suryodaya Ashram and all the Christian institutions in the Thane District.

The Bombay Catholic Sabha is monitoring this situation and will soon plan its strategy for the next course of action, the press release adds.