Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – “Terrorism is an evil; it is the utmost form of disrespect for human life: we firmly condemn the devastating attacks in Bombay, calling on all the law-enforcement forces in India to make efforts in establishing healthy coexistence and a civilization of peace.” This was what Agenzia Fides learned from a statement issued by the Indian Bishops’ Conference via spokesman Fr. Babu Joseph Karakombil, regarding the acts of violence reported in the city of Bombay. The Bishops launched an appeal to the government, asking that “all the necessary measures be taken in stopping the bloodbath that has already enveloped the innocent population of India and in guaranteeing the security of the citizens, who yearn for peace and calm.”
Last night, the city of Bombay, in the state of Maharashtra, West India, suffered a series of simultaneous attacks that claimed the lives of over a hundred and left nearly 300 wounded.
Armed terrorists of the Islamic fundamentalist group “Deccan Mujahideen” launched attacks in the heart of the economic capital, taking several foreign tourists captive in two of the hotels most luxurious hotels. The gunmen in the hotels have called for the liberation of “all the mujahideen in India's prisons,” however they have been detained by the Indian special forces.
In the meantime, police squadrons have been deployed to control the situation and the city continues under maximum alert. The Catholics of Bombay have closed the schools today as a sign of mourning and for security reasons. The Bishops' spokesman tells Agenzia Fides that the Church has expressed its closeness to the victims' families, and throughout the city, many Catholics have organized prayer meetings to ask the Lord to bring peace to the city and the entire Indian nation. In the meantime, several Catholic volunteers are visiting the hospitals to offer consolation and aid to the wounded that continue to be taken in. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2008)
