Catholic body condemns attack on Carol singing group

SHILLONG: The Catholic Association of Shillong (CAS) has expressed anguish over the unprovoked and flagrant attack on a peaceful Christmas carol singing group of seminarians and priests at Satna village of Madhya Pradesh by a group of Bajrang Dal activists with the help of the police on December 14.
In its emergency meeting on December 17, CAS deplored the unjustified attack and police detention of seminarians and priests by the Bajrang Dal in connivance with the police despite the fact that such programmes had been held at the village for the past many years.
“The Catholic Association, Shillong not only condemns this reprehensible act of the Bajrang Dal who had the implicit support of the police, but also terms it as unlawful as a brazen violation of the right of freedom of religion and expression which the Constitution of India guarantees to all citizens of India irrespective of caste, creed or religion”, said the statement of CAS general secretary, Barnabas Nongbah.
In view of the violation of the law of the land, the CAS urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the government authorities in Madhya Pradesh to take action and arrest all those who had a hand in the blatant violation of the law which has caused the victimized seminarians and priests much pain and mental suffering.
The Association also resolved to send a separate memorandum in this regard to the Prime Minister.