2012-09-07 17:05:25

Indian govt. assures safety of S. Lankan Christians, says Sri Lanka President


(September 07, 2012) Against the backdrop of attacks on Sri Lankan Christian pilgrims in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state on Monday, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday said the Indian government has responded positively to his country's request to guarantee the safety of its citizens. The group of some 184 pilgrims, including women and children, came under attack were in Thanjavur where they were visiting the Poondimatha Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later they intended to proceed to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni. Alleged supporters of a Tamil homeland in Sri Lanka’s north and east protested against the pilgrims attacked them. The pilgrims were forced to cut short their visit and leave India on a special flight. The pilgrims, mostly from the north-western town of Chilaw, upon return said a few of them sustained injuries from the attack. At least 50 were arrested for their involvement in the attack. Rajapaksa said he would discuss with Indian authorities the safety of Sri Lankans if the opportunity was made available to him during his visit to India commencing on September 19. He is also expected to have an audience with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.








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