(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.