In India mob attacks Catholic School in Kashmir

(14 Sep 2006) : In India a large number Muslim fundamentalists, including students of the Government Degree College Pulwama, stormed the Church-run Good Shepherd Mission School at Pulwama in the Kashmir Valley on September 11. They shouted slogans against Christians and missionaries, smashed the windows, damaged furniture and also demolished the school boundary wall. The timely intervention by Police saved lives of school-children and the principal Sr. Veronica.

The school is run by Father Jim Borst, a Mill Hill Missionary who has been in the Valley since August 1963 and has also served as the principal of St. Joseph’s School, Baramulla and Burn Hall School, Srinagar, the most prestigious schools of the Valley. When contacted by telephone, Fr. Jim Borst said the trouble was started at the instigation of some religious fundamentalist groups who also run schools of their own in the area.

The Good Shepherd’s Mission School has always been a thorn in their flesh due to its high quality education. Although the Islamists alleged that the school is propagating Christianity and forcing students to convert, the parents refuted the allegations that their children were induced into conversion and have pledged full support to the school authorities. They have also urged the law- enforcing authorities to bring the culprits to book and allow the school to function normally.

Condemning the attack the All Jammu and the Kashmir Catholic Sabha, in a statement pledged full support to Fr Borst, Sr Veronica and others and asked the government to provide them full security. A delegation of the Sabha will leave for Srinagar to meet Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad of the Congress Party, who has promised full support and protection for Fr. Borst. In the meanwhile, the district administration has ordered the closure of the school till the inquiry is completed.