Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KM/AF)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Dec 29: Bishop Aloysius Paul D`Souza of Mangalore has condemned the ongoing violence on Christians and churches in Orissa by fundamentalists in a memorandum submitted to district deputy commisioner at the district commissioner's office here on Saturday December 29 in the presence of nuns, priests and various leaders from the community.
'Jesus Christ came to the world to spread happiness and make the world peaceful. As many as hundred miscreants demolished churches, shops and other structures in Orissa; everyone must condemn the heinous deed. The memorandum has been submitted to the DC and it is hoped that it would be forwarded to the Prime Minister and other authorities concerned,' the bishop said while speaking to the media persons.
The fact that nuns and priests have fled from the spot and taken shelter in the nearby forests after the gory attack on them is indeed painful. This shows the magnitude of the threat and calls for immediate and stern actions, he added.
Condemning the attack on the prayer hall near Kankanady in the city a few days ago, he said that those who came to carry out the dark deed had not come with love; no religion instigates its followers to attack other religions, he said.
'I appeal very earnestly to the central and state governments to take every possible step to restore peace and protect the innocent people respecting their fundamental rights. I also appeal all the people to show solidarity with the suffering Christians of Orissa and pray for peace and harmony,' he stated in a press release.
Nuns and priests from various congregations of the community and others were present on the occasion.
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