Candlelight rally protesting attacks on Christians in Manipur

VIJAYAWADA: Bishop of Krishna-Godavari diocese T. George Cornelious on Saturday condemned the attacks on churches and Christians in Manipur.

At a candlelight rally, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches, to protest the violence in Manipur, Cornelious said India was a coalition of various religions, castes, and sects.

He alleged the Manipur incidents where Tribal communities - Kukis and Nagas – were attacked showed the BJP government’s support.

He added caste discrimination still prevails in the country. Vijayawada Catholic Diocese Monsignor M. Prasad said Christians are not against any religion, caste, or sect.

He said the Godhra riots (2002) and Manipur violence will remain a scar mark in India’s history.

He pointed out that several countries had strongly condemned the Manipur incidents and even a point of debate in many Parliaments.

Vijayawada Catholic bishop T. Joseph Raja Rao, who is on a European visit, expressed his solidarity with those at the rally.