By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Nov 25, 2023: Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, on November 25 urged Christians in the country to pray for those trapped in a tunnel for two weeks.
“As a community bound by faith and compassion, let us unite in prayer for the 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand. May our collective prayers serve as a source of comfort and strength for the affected families, and may the rescue efforts be guided by wisdom and success,” Archbishop Thazhath stated.
The workers have been trapped in the tunnel due to a landslide since November 12.
Expressing deep concern for the well-being of the trapped workers, the prelate set November 26 for all Indian Christians to join hands in prayer for the swift and safe rescue of those facing the harrowing ordeal.
He stressed the power of collective prayer to provide strength, hope, and resilience during these challenging times.
He urged churches, congregations, and individuals to include the trapped workers and their families in their Sunday prayers, asking for divine intervention and the protection of all involved in the rescue operations.
The collapse occurred on a part of the troubled Char Dham road development project. The 4.5 km Silkyara Badkot tunnel is on a section of road between Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi district.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the drilling work had been halted late at night on November 23 as the American auger machine hit a technical snag.
Food and drinks are continuously being supplied to the trapped workers through a 6-inch pipe inserted into the rubble.
Chief Minister Dhami on November 24 said the rescue operation was “in its final stage,” adding that both the central and state government agencies worked together.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes updates regarding the rescue operation being carried out at the Silkyara tunnel.
Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority, stated November 24 that the state and central governments are collaborating to save the ‘sons of India,’ ensuring no resources are spared for the rescue operation.
“It’s a very challenging operation. A war is being fought to save the sons of India who have been toiling up there in the mountain, and the government of India is ensuring that no resources will be left which are required and have not been mustered for this particular rescue operation,” Lt Gen Hasnain was quoted as saying by PTI.