2011-02-09 15:41:28

Attack on Indian priest causes sectarian violence


(fFebruary 09, 2011) An attack on a Catholic priest has sparked an outbreak of sectarian violence between Catholics and Muslims in a Mumbai suburb in western India’s Maharashtra State. Fr. Yogesh Pereira of St. Gonsalo Garcia Church in Nalasopara, Vasai diocese, was injured in a February 6 incident and is recovering in hospital.
The drama began when the driver of a motorized trishaw slapped the priest following an argument. Several Muslim youths nearby then joined the driver and started punching the priest. Local Catholic youths came to the priest’s assistance before they were set upon and forced to flee by another group of young Muslims, who then set about burning several vehicles and threatening people. Six youths, including a Catholic, were injured and hospitalized, as a result of the brawl, Archbishop Felix Machado, Bishop of Vasai Diocese told UCA NEWS on Tuesday. The archbishop condemned both sides for the incident. He said he had contacted Muslim leader Maulana Shabhir Dhange and both are to meet on Friday (Feb.11) in a demonstration of unity. He also said he plans to visit the injured Muslims to heal the wounds of both communities.
Abraham Mathia, vice chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, told ucanews, he has urged local police to hold regular peace meetings between the two communities to prevent future revenge attacks.








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