ASIA/INDIA - Christians form Anti-Violence Forum in memory of Catholic priest mortally stabbed in Bihar

Friday, 13 May 2005

Patna (Fides Service) -In memory of a Catholic priest Fr Mathew Uzhuthal, Vicar general of Patna archdiocese who died on May 1 after being stabbed on April 11 in his parish office by a young bandit, Christians in Patna capital of Bihar state in north eastern India have formed an Anti-Violence Forum whose members are clergy, religious and lay people of various Christian confessions. The Forum founders say Fr Mathew must be “the point of departure for a joint action of justice”.
The first public act of the Forum was a peaceful demonstration on May 8 in front of the Patna Women College to pay honour and tribute to the assassinated priest. Among those present Archbishop Benedict J. Osta of Patna as well as local Hindu and Muslim leaders who assured their support and solidarity.
The Forum aims to increase awareness about discrimination, violence and injustice and promote harmony and reconciliation. The idea came from some friends of the late Fr Mathew and Sister Teresa Kottur, Provincial Superior of the Nazareth Sisters of Charity who work in Mokama an area affected by violence and acts of extortion .
The organisation calls on the authorities to give more attention to the case of Father Mathew and to pursue the gangs of criminals which terrorise the people.
The Forum intends to send a memorandum to Bihar state authorities, the President of India, the national human rights commission and the national commission for minorities.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/5/2005 righe 26 parole 265)


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