Church in India condemns the murder of VHP Leader and the ensuing violence
in Orissa
The Catholic Church in India has expressed deep regret on the recent attack
of the Ashram near Turnudibandh in Kandhamal District of Orissa, in which
VHP leader, Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati and five others were killed.
The President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Cardinal
Varkey Vithayathil, has denounced the attacks in the following words: "We
condemn the act of violence which claimed the lives of Swami Lakshmananda
Saraswati and some others at his Ashram. We are sad that a respected leader
has allegedly been a victim of organised violence by the Maoists. Equally
deplorable is the act of vandalism and arson on the Christian institutions
in Kandhamal District indulged in by some misguided and unruly elements. We
appeal to the people of Orissa to maintain calm at this hour of crisis and
bring the tense situation to normal at the earliest so that people and
institutions are protected and preserved. We also appeal to the State and
Central Governments to take adequate measures to contain violence and to
restore peace in the disturbed area."
The Archbishop of Goa, Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, echoes the feelings
voiced by the Conference of the Bishops and expresses solidarity with the
victims of the several attacks. He appeals for prayers that peace may soon
be restored in Orissa and that all may work hand in hand to create an
environment of mutual trust and respect for the life and dignity of every
human person.
Fr. Francisco Caldeira
Director
Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media - Goa
