by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Dec 13: More than 10,000 members of several minority organisations took out a mammoth silent rally in the city this morning, condemning the alleged attack recently on Avila Convent and disfiguring of Infant Jesus statue by a group.

The rally, led by Bishop of Mysore Thomas Antony Vazhapilly and other prominent leaders, comprised members of AHINDA, Karnataka Communal Harmony Forum, Federation of Progressive organisations, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi, Karnataka Forum for Dignity, Savita Samaj, Vishwakarma Association, Konkani Christians' Association, Karnataka Muslim United Front, Karnataka Yuva Sena, BEML Christian Association and Railway Christian Association.

The rally, which began from St. Philomena's Church, passed through Ashoka Road, K.R. Circle and Devaraj Urs Road reaching the Deputy Commissioner's Office where a memorandum was submitted.

The silent rally went on peacefully without any slogan-shouting. The rallyists carried about 500 placards with catchy phrases like shun violence, save religion, constitution is supreme, stop casteism and promote peace.

People had come from Kodagu, Hassan, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts for the rally.

Closed

All the Christian Educational Institutions in city were closed today as a mark of protest. Traffic was disrupted for about an hour and Police had provided adequate security.

Parish Priest Marie Joseph, former Minister T. John, leaders Dr. Vasu, Shaukat Ali Khan, Gracian Rodrigues, Dr. Poornachandra, Iwan Ikli, A.T. Mohammed, Stanley, MLA M.K. Somashekar, General Secretary of State Youth Congress B. Dasharath Rai, Secretary R.H. Kumar and others took part.