Bishop Dabre appeals for calm following Pune bomb attacks
(Aug. 22, 2012) Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune, a city in south-western India,
has appealed for calm following attacks directed against residents of the city,
who come from north-eastern India. Bishop Dabre launched the appeal on Sunday saying
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 Fr. 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.” Fr Sequeira
expressed his solidarity with the people from the northeast in view of the present
situation. He said “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.