Church Condemns Serial Blasts in Bangalore

(July 26, 2008) A Church official has joined political leaders to condemn the serial bomb blasts in Bangalore, which killed at least three people and injured several. Eight explosions rocked the city, India’s information technology capital, Friday afternoon. Police officials suspect Islamic terrorists behind the blasts aimed to create panic in the city. The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned blasts and urged people to remain calm and maintain communal harmony. Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives and send his condolences to the families of the bereaved. He has also sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of 100,000 rupees to the next of kin of those dead and 50,000 rupees to those injured in the blasts. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s spokesperson Father Babu Joseph said the Church in India is “saddened” to hear about the blasts that aimed to de-stabilize the nations. “This violence kills and maims innocent people. Those who engineer such violence have no religion. They are agents of devil, who deserve exemplary punishment,” he told the Indian Catholic. He said the Church will continue to pray for peace among people in the country. He also wanted people keep clam in the city and defeat the purpose of the violence.