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Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008
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Karnataka government to invoke Anti-Goonda Act

Bangalore Bureau

Yeddyurappa holds discussions with Archbishop of Bangalore

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

A WORD OF PROMISE: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa assured Rev. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore, on Monday of strong police action against miscreants attacking churches. Later, Rev. Moras said he was deeply hurt and was “prepared to shed my blood and give my life for the protection of churches.”

BANGALORE: The Karnataka government on Monday decided to invoke the provisions of the Anti-Goonda Act 1985 against people indulging in attacks on places of Christian worship in various districts.

At a briefing after a special meeting of the Cabinet here, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said the police had been given full freedom to book cases under the Act, under which a person involved in such acts could be summarily arrested and detained. A high level committee would decide on further detention.

The government has been under pressure from Opposition parties, Christian minority organisations, and human rights groups to take tough action against the perpetrators of violence.

The Chief Minister and his senior Cabinet colleagues later met Rev. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore.

The Archbishop strongly condemned what he called “the organised and systematic atrocities” committed on the Christian community and their places of worship in Bangalore and the rest of the State.

“I am deeply hurt and disturbed by the continued attacks on churches and Christian institutions. I am prepared to shed my blood and give my life for protection of churches. This is to be stopped,” he told the Chief Minister.

The Archbishop said action against persons involved in the attacks should be taken immediately.

Mr. Yeddyurappa also called on Governor Rameshwar Thakur and explained to him the steps taken to maintain law and order.

Team to review steps

New Delhi Special Correspondent reports:

After rushing advisories to the Karnataka government asking it to take strict steps to put an end to attacks and violence against Christians, the Union Home Ministry is sending a two-member team to review the situation in the BJP-ruled State.

The team, headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security) M.L. Kumawat, will visit Bangalore, Mangalore and Udupi on Tuesday. It will have meetings with officials and review the steps taken to control the violence.

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