India: bishop appeals for calm following Pune bomb attacks

August 22, 2012

The bishop of Pune, a city in southwestern India, appealed for calm following attacks directed against residents of the city who come from northeastern India. Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation’s first prime minister, had called the city “the Oxford of the East,” and a large student population hails from all over the nation.

“The unfortunate incidents that have taken place in the last fortnight are disturbing the fabric of the city,” said Bishop Thomas Dabre. “The Diocese of Poona will support the people from the northeast and will do whatever is needed for the safety of our brothers and sisters.”

The bishop directed that prayers be offered daily in all Catholic schools for Pune residents from northeastern India.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Dabre urges Indian state to maintain peace (Vatican Radio)
• Peace eludes Pune post bomb blasts; NE people attacked (PTI)