Patna Christians Condemn Killings in Orissa

Patna: Aug. 29, 2008

The Christian community in Patna, under the banner of United Christian Forum on Friday staged a dharna at the JP Roundabout to protest against the recent killings of missionaries in Orissa while also calling for the arrests of the extremists and punishment to them of the highest order.

Forum's state president Archbishop William DeSouza, while condemning the crimes against the Christians, said the Christians were basically peaceful people and were active participants in many social and welfare schemes, yet they were targeted by a certain section of the Indian society.

"The incident in Orissa should be an eye-opener for all of our leaders and strict measures should be taken to prevent them from happening in future," the Archbishop said adding the latest acts of violence against the Christians was a clear attempt to destroy the very secular credentials of the nation.

Principals of various schools in Patna including Don Bosco, St. Michael's, and St. Dominick, Principal of the Patna Women's College Sr. Doris DeSouza, and Sister Juliana of Kurji Holy Family Hospital, among others, were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, missionary schools in Patna including the St. Xavier's High School, St. Michael's High School, Don Bosco, and Patna Women's College remained closed on Friday as a sign of protest against the killings of priests in Orissa.