India's Catholics mourn deaths among Hindu pilgrims

January 17, 2011

Catholic Church leaders in Kerela, India, have expressed shock and dismay at the death of 102 pilgrims during a stampede at a local Hindu shrine.

In the Kanjirapally diocese, where the Sabarimala temple is located, prayers for the deceased were offered at all parishes on January 16.

Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of nearby Trichur voiced his "profound grief" at the tragedy, observing that the deaths could have been avoided with better management of the crowds. “It’s not the time for a blame game. But the tragedy should be an eye-opener for the government and police,” he said.

 

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Further information:

• Hindu temple deaths shock Indian Church (UCAN)