Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochin (Fides Service) - While the police have arrested 8 suspects with regard to the recent attack on the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Neyyatinkara actions of protest are being organised by the civil community .
The local citizens do not want the area to be a home for fundamentalists ruled by illegality and arrogance. They call on Kerala state authorities to guarantee law and order for all, religious minorities in particular. There is growing concern and fear particularly among Kerala’s Catholics, 20% of the population
The attack on the residence of Bishop Vincent Samuel happened during the night of 16 October. Criminals climbed over the wall and broke into the house. After shooting and wounding the night watchman, the four men sacked and looted the centre until the arrival of a police motorbike when they fled.
The police say the target was actually Fr. Joseph Mathias who lives in the resident with the bishop and was an eyewitness to a murder in 2003 with a confrere Fr. Jerald who supported him in his request for justice.
The Bishops of Kerala have firmly condemned the episode, calling for the capture of those responsible and respect for the rights and fundamental freedoms of all religious communities. The local Church is alarmed: some say “in the light of recent episodes these are no longer isolated cases. The attacks would appear to be part of a plan of aggression on Christians” refering to a series of attacks on religious personnel since 2001. Those responsible are said to be groups of Hindu fundamentalists which promote an ideology of religious intolerance.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/10/2005 righe 24 parole 251)
