Cong will defend Christians against attacks: Satheesan
Kochi: Christian priests in Odisha were attacked by the same people who visit homes in Kerala with cakes during Christmas and Easter. The Congress will put up a defence in places where Christians are being attacked on a regular basis, opposition leader V D Satheesan told reporters in Kochi on Sunday after visiting the priests who were attacked in Odisha.
He said shocking details about the attack in Odisha were revealed by the Catholic priests from Kerala. A large group broke open doors, brutally assaulted the priest, looted belongings, and even viciously attacked a 90-year-old priest, Satheesan said.
"Fr Leenus was tied up and beaten before being locked in a room. Fr Silvi was also beaten after being tied up. After an hour and a half, the priests tried to untie themselves and open the door but in vain.
It was a nearby temple priest who heard the noise and rescued them," Satheesan said. This is not an isolated incident. Widespread attacks are occurring in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Ahmedabad, and Chhattisgarh, he added.
The govt has reportedly instructed looters to target all Christian institutions within two months, Satheesan said. Police have taken a stance that nothing can be done even if complaints are filed. "Priests are being attacked by Bajrang Dal activists and organizations connected to Sangh Parivar.
Nationwide attacks against Christians are increasing. The bishop of Jabalpur stated that attacks are happening every day.
Even nuns on tourist visits are being attacked under the pretext of religious conversion," Satheesan said.
Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod and DCC president Muhammed Shiyas accompanied Satheesan while visiting the priests at a private hospital in Kochi.
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