Mumbai

Mumbai's Christians left fuming as BMC demolishes 122-year-old cross in Bandra

Tue, May 02 2017 09:41:42 AM

Mumbai, May 2 (Midday News): A 122-year-old holy cross was demolished by BMC officials near Bazar road in Bandra on Saturday. According to The Times of India, the action was taken pertaining to a decision by the Supreme Court against unauthorised religious structures on roads.

The matter will be legally pursued by the archdiocese of Bombay. A makeshift cross has been installed on the site in an effort to offer reassurance to worshippers.

The incident has caused furore among the members of the Catholic community in Mumbai.

Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesman for the archdiocese of Bombay said in a statement that a notice by Sharad Ughade, assistant municipal commissioner, pertains to a 2010 PIL pending before the Bombay HC, which relates to structures on public property but this was invalid since the cross which was demolished was on private land.

He also added that Ughade was met with documentary evidence by the owner and community organisations, who had replied in time to the BMC notice. The matter will be pursued legally since the cross was demolished despite this.

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Comment on this article

Lloyd, Surathkal
Tue, May 02 2017
I want to clear some things here, 1st of all we Christians don't do idol worships. So if that structure comes in public property.....in both points there should be no such tensions.
If it's done to test the patience & if it is in pristine private property really we can't tolerate.
Bcoz if Hindus r fighting for ayodhya then even we Christians have right to fight against such people who demolishing our religious property & sentiments.

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Leslie, udupi
Tue, May 02 2017
Icons are forever...
But icons never disturb smooth traffic...
Even though sacred cross was existent from more than 100 years it had to be relocated for public safety and development...
Let us join greater Indian vision and position our favourite icon in a comfortable location where all worshipers can be at greater ease...

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Desi Aadmi, Mlore.
Tue, May 02 2017
Whether it is a Cross, Temple or Mosque if it comes between Development and Religion. Then it Goes. Take Gujarat as many as 22 Temples on the Road widening came on the way and all were Removed. Initial protest, put down heavily and Amen nothing More

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SUNNY DSOUZA, MARNIMIKATTE MANGALORE
Tue, May 02 2017
Please don't do such dirty act it won't be go unpunished

DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

Vinod, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Faith is a very sensitive and personal topic. If the cross obstructed the way it could have been relocated.
Hope people keep calm. Rather than hatred, just forgive and be in peace.
End of the day the faith in your heart matters .. keep it firm.

DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse
Lorna, Udupi/Kuwait
Tue, May 02 2017
If it is for the development purpose then let them do it but targeting only the minority is not acceptable.

Speaking of Mumbai, there are so many small gudis right on the roadside hindering the passers by when the poojas take place.

I remember some years back at karangalpady the tree was the cause of a mother and child's death but still even till today the tree stands firm which is right in between the middle of the city creating a traffic havoc in the area during peak hours.

And so is the the tree in front of Infosys. What is it waiting for? For some more lives?

Aren't these hindering the development of the main city? Why arent people taking actions for the right cause.

Are they really developing or trying to hurt the feelings of the minority.

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John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt
Tue, May 02 2017
It was proved that the cross was on a private property. Then why didn’t the BMC duly compensate for the structure and provide alternate place for it?

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Roshan, Mangalore / Abudhabi
Tue, May 02 2017
Whenever there is a issue of attacks on Christians or Muslim Mr. DEV KUMARA comments multiple time, even more.
But when there is embarrassment SANGPARIVAR he will silently disappear

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Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
It's sad to hear that one....but what to do....illegal means illegal....Supreme Court will not favour any community for that matter!!! Even they demolished so many Mandirs too!!!

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Mohammed, Bajpe/Riyadh
Tue, May 02 2017
If its a supreme court order guys, dont blame Modi or any other party . But is it really 'private property' or 'grabbed land' ? how does a 'road' and obstruction come in such cases if it were private ? to such an extent that SC is involved.

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David Pinto, Udipi/Bandra
Tue, May 02 2017
A May 2011government resolution had divided illegal religious structures into various categories. Category B pertains to illegal shrines that interfere with the city's development plan.Assistant municipal commissioner (H-West) Sharad Ughade said they had removed a cross and a temple which obstructed traffic movement. "We had arranged a meeting with the representatives of all religious structures along with local councillors. During the meeting, the court order was explained to everyone present and a request was made to remove unauthorised religious structures," he said. Locals removed six temples on their own

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Rajesh, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Structures can be rebuilt if they are obstuctig any road etc. However, there should be equal treatmet when it comes to demolition of structures. each and every move will become political in India.

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Victor Vaz, Mangalore / Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
If its a private land, then why to remove 122 years old cross. the case has to be clearly investigated.

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FRANCIS, Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
Everyone loves and respects his own religion, And at the same time, we need to love and respect other religions and its people too.

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FRANCIS, Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
Everyone loves and respects his own religion: irrespective of whether he is a Hindu, Muslim or Christian. And at the same time, we need to love and respect other religions and its people too.

After reading this article, I am of the opinion that whatever comes on the way and it obstructs the path; be it a Cross, temple or Masjid should be removed after proper prayers for the betterment of people and development of the place.

However, when it comes to minority, there are lots of discrimination and violence from fundamentalists to demoralize and humiliate them.

I have lived in Mumbai for so many years and have seen crosses and temples showing up here and there. However, in some places, particularly some temples (Gudi) have been erected very close to the railway stations which is on the main roads, thus creating lot of havoc and inconvenience to the pedestrian and those who rush to the offices in the early hours. The sound of the bells ringing by devotees continuously with high decibels deafens the ears!!

Once again I love and respect my Hindu and Muslim brethren and absolutely there is no intention to malign any particular community. Justice to be same to each and every one.

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C.T. Thomas, Nandalike
Tue, May 02 2017
The question is ,How come supreme court intervened if its private land. The private land owner has to garner support from various sources and proactively object to this.

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Alwyn, Mlore
Tue, May 02 2017
People comment here too logically and philosophically saying its supreme court order. if we think logically Sonu Nigam too was right. All these thoughts comes when we have no respect for fellow citizens and other faiths.
But removing religious structures for road widening and public infrastructure purpose should be cooperated unbiased. SM Krishna demolished hundreds of illegal small temples for road widening in Bangalore .

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ravi, mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
People Can Be Shifted anywhere, suppose Temple in place of the holy cross can you remove this?
This Govt Playing with religion.

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Rajesh D., Manglore, Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
Sad incident but the focus should be on faith on the cross . Make sure that no one removes cross / faith from your heart.

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Nein, USA
Tue, May 02 2017
I agree with SC order on the unauthorized religious structures on roads should be removed. But this is a 122-year-old structure, I hope SC should consider the history of the structure while giving a decision. For the sake of some celebrity, politicians government can defy SC order why it did not, in this case, Sad!

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Clitus Tauro, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
We hope Mr. Sharad Ughade will re-install this Cross in the same place under faith and fear of God...Wait and watch...Our prayers are strong enough. Our God is living GOD.

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Gangaram, Moodbidri
Tue, May 02 2017
I agree to SC order but SC should put the bar on the new and old religious structures. Removing 122 years old Cross from private land is not a good idea of BMC. I think 122 years back we didnt had SC also in India !!!

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mohan sr., Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
there are thousands of saibaba structures and shive senas stuctutes are in the roads and in walk ways . why they are not demolished.
In Dhobitalo near metro theater the Musjid is on the midle of the road. why it is not demolised..

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Gangaram, Moodbidri
Tue, May 02 2017
If Govt act as per SC orders then no Dwara (Arc) will remain in Udipi and DK districs. as all dwara's are on govet land!!!

DisAgree [11] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

Kumar Dev, Mangalore/Karol Bagh
Tue, May 02 2017
if that is the case SC will order those people who remained back to travel to there new land as agreed during partition and no right to claim anything as of now.
it's of there wishes they remained agreeing with all clauses.

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Faraz Ahmed, Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
If it would have related to temple then all the bhakts they would have slept in road and destroyed the jcb to stop it from getting demolished

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juliana, udupi
Tue, May 02 2017
Religious structure is erected at some place for some reasons which are forgotten with time lead to demolition but the aftermath of which cannot be predicted. Better erect a new Cross at the place without any objection from anybody. After all the place is private land.

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umesh shetty, manglore
Tue, May 02 2017
so many poor people houses demolished that is not imported one cross is imported u pool

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Arun Menezes, Kallianpur / Udupi
Tue, May 02 2017
Yes, it is not important, all religious structures on public property should be demolished, there is one tree in front of Infosys Kottara which is a nuisance and should be cut immediately and if the Supreme Court order is strictly followed our roads will be much safer and free of congestion as 90% of all religious structures are Gudi's and Temples, obviously unauthorized and i am sure Mr. Umesh Shetty will not show the same enthusiasm when it comes to unauthorized Gudi's. Hypocrites!

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MN, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Need of the hour is to fight hunger and save humanity.
Unfortunately few self proclaimed smart guys do not understand simple truth...

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Raviraj Shetty, Mangalore/UAE
Tue, May 02 2017
Umesh Shetty before commenting ask someone to help you with your dammed English you fool another thing in India there are so many people are dying but have no value but our own human animals give important on cow bachao.

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vivian Pinto, Bijai / Calgary
Tue, May 02 2017
umesha thum ahge bado cut all the trees in the middle of the road hom tomare sath hay

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Aubb, Kuwait
Tue, May 02 2017
Why do you want Ram Mandir in place of Babri ??

Don't you find any other place??

DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse
Ramesh S, MANGALORE
Tue, May 02 2017
can we say educated fools..Its SC order..don not ask whether Govt removed others or not, be a role model, forget about others..

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Arun Menezes, Kallianpur / Udupi
Tue, May 02 2017
SC order was applicable to Public Property and Places and not for Private Property.

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Karthik Karkera, Maryhill Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Good move by BMC, but they should not stop here . All illegal constructions be it Temple, mosque, church ,Gurudwara , commercial complex , villas, apartments etc need to be demolished , Encroachments should never be permitted anywhere

DisAgree [17] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse
MN, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
When will we grow up ?

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Shankar, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
No idea about you. But, we all have grown up!

DisAgree [22] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse
Mario, Lalbagh
Tue, May 02 2017
Demolition of structureslike this leads to haunting of persons who did it. In America its very common. Gob bless the families as soon they will start to experience the Paranormal.

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Shankar, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Recently, in Munnar, Kerala, a huge Cross was removed by the District Collector. The Chief minister himself condemned the action of the DC. Congress was not too behind to portray the incidence as an attack on Christianity.
But what I appreciate is that none of the Bishops or the church make any efforts to blow this incidence out of proportion. In fact, I remember watching a channel where a Bishop says that the Cross was on a 'encroached' govt. land. He continued to say, there is no need for a Cross on hills when you have enough churches to pray.
Why don't we all behave maturely as Christians in Kerala?

DisAgree [32] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse
Stan, Udupi/Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
This cross was not on govt land and hence govt has no right to remove.

DisAgree [19] Agree [80] Reply Report Abuse
The Guru, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Stan, Udupi/Dubai

Open your eyes and ready the news correctly

"the action was taken pertaining to a decision by the Supreme Court against unauthorized religious structures on roads"

DisAgree [14] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse
Stan, Udupi/Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
Have you read the SC order?. Read the complete order and then comment.

DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Report Abuse
Shankar, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Stan,
You know, we can not install an advertising hoarding in our private land if it happens to be by the side of a road curve. It might block the view of the drivers.
You also might be aware of the fact that in many of the residential buildings in Dubai, you should not hand your garments for drying in the balcony grills though its your rented property!!!

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Kumar Dev, Mangalore/Karol Bagh
Tue, May 02 2017
supreme court verdict is final...whatever comes in between development will be demolished by any means...either it's temple church dargah mosque. In gujarat same happened demolished overnight for road infrastructure.
If wants to agitate take along with you priya dutt and baba siddiqui.
In olden days as much not population around bandra..people shifted from city and constructed religious statutes as like they wants.

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Peter, KSA
Tue, May 02 2017
Shankar, Guru, Dev, Umesh, time and again it has been proved that in India some fringe outfits are above any court or law. Otherwise, those who demolished age old monument - Babri Masjid would have been punished by law. Those who are lynching innocent people in northern India would have been put behind bars. Those who are threatening businessmen of minority and forcing to hire their own people as security men would have been arrested. In India, law is only for innocent people who have to suffer silently. Those who suffer silently, their curse is more severe than lightening. It will strike not only on the person who misuses his power, but, on entire family for generations. All religions are good. Never do any partiality based on religion.

DisAgree [9] Agree [27] Report Abuse
Stan, Udupi/Dubai
Tue, May 02 2017
They do not dare to demolish illegal construction of rich and powerful.Case should be pursued legally and cross should be installed at the same place as its a matter of faith.

DisAgree [9] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse
Daniel, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
All these persecutions are lead to prosperity and visible signs for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is written in many places
Ecclesiastes 3:
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
12 "I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
18 God has made everything appropriate to its time, but has put the timeless* into their hearts so they cannot find out, from beginning to end, the work which God has done
15 What now is has already been; what is to be, already is: God retrieves what has gone by. "

DisAgree [4] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse
Af,,, Mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
This is result of bringing safron party into power,

DisAgree [33] Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse
pradeep, mangalore
Tue, May 02 2017
Yes.You can expect more of these from the brains at Nagpur after Christmas holiday ban,beef ban,German language ban and enforcing of hindi.
It is the UtterPradeshisation of India,after demonetisation.
Next plan will be to install Yogis in each state of India.

DisAgree [23] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse
Kumar Dev, Mangalore/Karol Bagh
Tue, May 02 2017
Do you claim had voted for saffron brigade..it's by majority people.

DisAgree [33] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse
Ronald D, Udupi
Tue, May 02 2017
Saffron party should focus on development rather than attacking on Non - Hindu faiths before biting dust!

DisAgree [25] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

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Mumbai's Christians left fuming as BMC demolishes 122-year-old cross in Bandra

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Comment on this article

Lloyd, Surathkal

Leslie, udupi

Desi Aadmi, Mlore.

SUNNY DSOUZA, MARNIMIKATTE MANGALORE

Vinod, Mangalore

Lorna, Udupi/Kuwait

John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

Roshan, Mangalore / Abudhabi

Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

Mohammed, Bajpe/Riyadh

David Pinto, Udipi/Bandra

Rajesh, Mangalore

Victor Vaz, Mangalore / Dubai

FRANCIS, Dubai

FRANCIS, Dubai

C.T. Thomas, Nandalike

Alwyn, Mlore

ravi, mangalore

Rajesh D., Manglore, Dubai

Nein, USA

Clitus Tauro, Mangalore

Gangaram, Moodbidri

mohan sr., Mangalore

Gangaram, Moodbidri

Kumar Dev, Mangalore/Karol Bagh

Faraz Ahmed, Dubai

juliana, udupi

umesh shetty, manglore

Arun Menezes, Kallianpur / Udupi

MN, Mangalore

Raviraj Shetty, Mangalore/UAE

vivian Pinto, Bijai / Calgary

Aubb, Kuwait

Ramesh S, MANGALORE

Arun Menezes, Kallianpur / Udupi

Karthik Karkera, Maryhill Mangalore

MN, Mangalore

Shankar, Mangalore

Mario, Lalbagh

Shankar, Mangalore

Stan, Udupi/Dubai

The Guru, Mangalore

Stan, Udupi/Dubai

Shankar, Mangalore

Kumar Dev, Mangalore/Karol Bagh

Peter, KSA

Stan, Udupi/Dubai

Daniel, Mangalore

Af,,, Mangalore

pradeep, mangalore

Kumar Dev, Mangalore/Karol Bagh

Ronald D, Udupi

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Title: Mumbai's Christians left fuming as BMC demolishes 122-year-old cross in Bandra

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