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.