Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - A lay Catholic killed in Kashmir; a Catholic school sacked in Tamil Nadu: in recent days various attacks on Indian Catholics have caused tension and fear. “However we continue our pastoral activity, our unceasing prayer, confident in the knowledge that most people condemn these attacks and respect Christians”, a local Church source told Fides, reassuring that there is no need for alarm.
Christians have staged demonstrations and demanded more protection. Recently in the state of Jammu and Kashmir Mr Bashir Tantry active lay Catholic was killed by a non identified killer. The police suspect the murderer may be a religious fanatic because Mr Tantry was a convert from Islam. The local Bishop Celestine Elampassery has requested more state protection for the small Catholic community.
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu in Omalur, district of Salem, a gang of about 100 vandals attacked St Fatima Catholic school, burning Bibles and destroying the school chapel. The Tamil Nadu Federation of Catholic Associations has asked the police to arrest the identified attackers and to open an investigation. The attack on the school followed the death of a pupil the cause of death has still to be ascertained.
Catholics are calling for more state protection for schools and social centres run by religious minorities and demanding the release of Sisters working at St Fatima School detained by the police without reason. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2006 righe 26 parole 269)
