Daijiworld Media Network – Uttar Kannada (RD)
Haliyal, Aug 7: The Christians residing in Mangalavada village sought the permission of Deputy Commissioner of Uttar Kannada, to commit mass suicide on Wednesday August 15, owing to an unbearable situation caused by some vested interests.
The community with a population of nearly 800 living in St Sebastian parish, Mangalawada, in Haliyala taluk, here has been boycotted by some vested interests 3 years ago.
The nations media carried reports of boycott. The vested interests did not allow observing the death anniversary of the late Bishop William D’Mello at the parish premises on July 29.
A tractor full of youth did not allow the sharing of a fellowship meal and forced the parish priest Fr Philip Roque D’Souza and parishioners to transport food to a location that is 5 kilometers away, in spite of policemen being on duty.
The community alleges the violation of human rights by a few Hindu leaders which do not allow liberty in a democratic country like India. Fr Philip over the phone informed that the internet connection has been zapped several times, allegedly by a few activists of communal outfit, even tampering with underground optic fiber cables. The parishioners reached a point of desperation and have decided to commit mass suicide in order to sustain Christian faith like their ancestors who faced testing times during persecution.
A memorandum signed by several parishioners seeking permission from Deputy Commissioner was presented to district administration already.