Churches condemn attack on Christians in MP

From a correspondent

Tura: The churches in Garo Hills will show solidarity for the suffering minorities of North India and thus January 7 will be observed as a 'day of protest' through prayer for the minority communities.

"The rising tide of intolerance and violence against minority communities especially in North India is a cause of serious concern to the Christian community in Meghalaya," a release issued from the Diocese of Tura stated on Friday.

The release came in wake of attempt of miscreants and by ABVP members to forcibly conduct particular form of worship at St. Mary's P.G.College in Vidisha, Sagar Diocese, Madhya Pradesh on January 4.

"Although the attempt was foiled due to the intervention of the Home Minister Rajt Singh for which the Christian community is deeply grateful. But the fact remains that the Christian minority community lives in fear and anxiety, which in fact is a cause of concern," the release added.

The release noted that the same College was already attacked once by these antisocial elements on December 30, 2017 by entering the college premises.

It said that the attack took place in the presence of over 20 policemen, who watched as mute spectators without taking any action. "This type of terrorism is ucceptable. Such false tiolism needed to be stopped," the release said.

The release added that a fact-finding team of lawyers deputed by Catholic Bishop Conference of India has reported that Christian community is frightened and worried. 

The release further said that Bajrang Dal activists shouted slogans against Christians and used foul words to abuse them.

They asked brothers and priests to come forward one by one and took photos of everyone and wrote down the phone numbers. It looked as if the whole incident was scripted and directed by Bajrang Dal activists with the help of police. The Police did not do anything to protect the brothers.   The manhandling and thrashing by the Bajrang Dal members were so ruthless  that many were injured in the incident. They forced them to say "Jai Sriram Jai Bajrang Bali".

In this context the Church leaders appeal to all to pray for the suffering of brothers and sisters in North India as well  as to observe January y as Day of Prayer to denounce such anti-minority attitude,  especially against Christians by holding special prayers in the entire  Garo Hills, the release stated.