Bishop Thomas Dabre, of Pune, India, on Sunday said the state government must take
steps to stop any attacks on people from the northeast and ensure peace and harmony
in the city. He also condemned the attacks that have taken place over the last fortnight
in the city.
After the Sunday Mass, Bishop Dabre and Father Malcolm Sequeira,
the vicar general of the Diocese, addressed as many as 500 people from the northeast
living in the city.
Bishop Dabre said, “Pune has a tradition of equality, peace
and harmony. However, the unfortunate incidents that have taken place in the last
fortnight are disturbing the fabric of the city. It is shameful that such things are
happening in Pune.”
He further said, “It is extremely sad that people from
the northeast living in Pune, Mumbai and Karnataka are leaving for their hometowns.
But we assure that the Diocese of Poona will support the people from the northeast
and will do whatever is needed for the safety of our brothers and sisters.”
The
Diocese of Poona has sent a circular to every school and college of the Diocese to
pray for the people of the northeast during their daily assembly. Bishop Dabre said,
“We hope that the government steps in and takes action so that the people from the
northeast can live safely in the city and that none of them leave for their homes,
thus continuing with their education or profession.”
Father Sequeira said,
“We are here to show solidarity with the people from the northeast in view of the
present situation. A total of nine services have been offered at the church so that
the situation is under control and no harm is caused to people from the northeast.
We assure our support and help to all those who are in trouble.” Father Sequeira
also shared the numbers of the Diocese of Poona and other members with the people
present. After the address, Bishop Dabre blessed every person from the northeast present
in the church and interacted with them.