By Jose Kavi
New Delhi, Feb 26, 2020: Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi has asked Catholic parishes and Church institutions in the archdiocese to offer relief to those affected by the communal riots raging in the national capital.
“At this trying moment when communal riots have suddenly gripped Delhi let us come forward with our prayers and every possible effort to bring relief to the affected people in terms of shelter, food and clothing,” the archbishop said in a letter to parish priests and heads of Church institutions such as schools in Delhi.
The ongoing violence was condemned by the Christian member of the Delhi Minority Commission. Christians cannot remain mute witnesses when their Muslim brethren are attacked, asserted Sister Anastasia Gill, a Supreme Court lawyer and a member of the Presentation congregation.
“Innocent lives are lost and the wounded are not allowed to go to hospitals for treatment. Shops in Muslim areas burnt by unruly mobs who are allowed to destroy property and create Violence,” she regretted in a statement issued on February 26.
The number of deaths in the unprecedented violence in Delhi since February 21 rose to 27 in three days, according to ndtv.com.
Stone-throwing between rival groups, arson and vandalism on February 23 marked unrelenting violence over citizenship law protests for more than 24 hours in northeast Delhi.
More than 150 people have been injured in the clashes.
The violence-hit areas continue to remain tense with police and paramilitary personnel on the ground. On February 23 night, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited areas affected such as Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Maujpur and Gokulpuri Chowk to take stock of the law and order situation. He also met with top police officers.
Neighborhoods in northeastern parts of Delhi reportedly resembled a war zone after the three-day violence. Among the wounded included several media persons.
Archbishop Couto’s letter asks Church institutions to open their premises to the riot-affected and urges parish priests to inform and organize their people to come forward to help in “this noble cause in the Lenten season.”
The archbishop’s appeal was forwarded by vicar general Father Susai Sebastian a day before the Latin rite in the Catholic Church observed Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Sister Gill says Christians and their institutions cannot remain passive amid such violence.
“Our role is to stand for justice,” she said and urged her community members to form peace committees to prevent “unwanted elements” to create in their localities.
“Block such people from entering your areas,” she said.
She also urged Christian institutions to monitor the situation in their areas and stand together with Muslims and other communities and take steps to end the violence.
She also wants Christians to bring medical relief to the wounded and provide shelter to those affected in the violence.