Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quetta (Agenzia Fides) – The Salesians of Quetta, in the Baluchistan region - the area bordering Afghanistan - is still traumatized from attack xenophobic that hit their schools. As Fides learns from missionaries working on the ground, the fierce attack occurred about a month ago (February 6), but its traces are still felt today: one of the Salesians, who has suffered severe psychological trauma, had to leave the country temporarily, while all the other religious, for fear of further attacks and to protect their safety, every night take refuge in the headquarters of the Apostolic Prefecture of Quetta, which has heightened security.
At least 8 gunmen suddenly attacked the School, looting and threatening religious personnel with intimidating phrases like: "We do not want foreigners here. Go away or we will make things worse for you." It is unknown whether they were Islamic fundamentalists of the Baluchistan Liberation Army (an independent group that plagues the region) or if they were just criminals.
"It's definitely a very serious matter, which leaves us terrified," Fides was told by Fr. Eric Englet OSA, Director of “Missio Muenchen,” a German institution which supports projects of the Salesians in Quetta:"We are very concerned about this xenophobic act. The Salesians work for the education of Christian and Muslim children, in a territory where the illiteracy rate is 70%. Their work for education and training is of decisive importance for development," notes Fr. Englet.
The head of the Center for Salesians, Fr. Peter Zago, and other foreign collaborators continue to work, making the school function with the help of local teachers, but without hiding their fears and trying to increase security. According to Father Zago, "because of the prevailing illiteracy, the region is particularly receptive to Islamic fundamentalist propaganda." "The fact that we are dealing with the poorest children, without discrimination between Christians and Muslims, so far been a guarantee for our safety," he told Fides.
The Center includes a house for 50 boys and a school with 60 teachers for 1,300 children. It also carries out assistance programs to enable girls from poor families to access education and vocational training.
The Salesians have been working in Quetta since 1998, bringing their charisma and their activities, especially in the field of education and training. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/03/2010)
