THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Archbishop of Bangalore, Peter Machado has urged the Karnataka government to stop hurting Christians across the state and appealed to the government to protect the community.
He was reacting to the demolition of a statue and prayer centre at Gokunte village in Karnataka.
“Attacks on churches across the state continue unabated. The systematic and ill-conceived demolition drive is pursued with dogged determination by the government and its machinery. This is yet another ruthless demolition of a Christian structure, which included a 20-foot Statue of Jesus and 14 Stations of Cross, carried out by authorities.”
“The Church has proper documents and the matter is sub-judice. However, the local Tehsildar, Shobitha, refused to listen and carried out the demolition in the presence of a 200-strong police force. It was heart-breaking to see hundreds of people shedding their tears,” stated Archbishop Machado in a press release.
“The Karnataka government has introduced a regulation for the protection of religious structures on government land. Does this regulation apply only to a certain religion and not the minorities,” asked Archbishop Machado.
“What was the tearing hurry to initiate this action? Are there pressures from fundamentalist groups who were bent on demolition of these Christian structures? Does the government have any control over such fringe elements,” questioned the Archbishop.
Providing further details, Archbishop Machado stated that the demolished religious structure and statue is in the premises of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the village.
“It is a peaceful area where people of all faiths and religions offer prayers and petitions. It was the outsiders who created the problems whose main aim was to spoil the peace and harmony in and outside the village.”
“In the last two years, we have seen demolitions occurring at six such places on the hills, and systematic attacks on Churches across the State. These religious places were patronised and maintained as places of devotion in Bangalore and its surroundings for decades,” Archbishop Machado said.
Expressing despair, Archbishop Machado said in the context of the Anti-Conversion Bill that is being much discussed, it is too big an expectation from the Government for any act of benevolence to the Christian Community.
“We only fear that many more such harsh, orchestrated and insensitive attacks are sure to happen in the coming days. Notwithstanding, we still hope and pray that the government will protect our places of worship, religious symbols and sacred structures, and that it does not continue to hurt the religious sentiments of Christian minority,” he added.
