Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jul 28: Members of the Christian community at Mandantyar held a protest demonstration in front of Punjalakatte police station in the taluk on Sunday July 27. They were demanding for the arrest of those responsible for printing and distributing pamphlets containing contemptuous remarks against the priests of Madantyar church.

A few days back, a complaint had been filed by the parish council of Mandyar Sacred Heart Church in Punjalakatte police station, relating to spreading of malice against the priests of the church as well as the church by writing anonymous letters besides distributing pamphlets containing materials meant at tarnishing the images of priests. The complaint had named John Prabhu and Gerald Correa as the men behind these objectionable initiatives.

The policemen had not arrested those responsible for these acts. There were rumours that the policemen had summoned the above persons to the police station on Sunday, and had let them go after obtaining written statements from them. This angered the locals, who gathered in front of the police station in large numbers under the leadership of their leaders, and held protest. They also demanded initiation of action against Madantyar Coordination Committee and taluk panchayat member, Vincent D'Souza, who have supported the accused persons on this issue.

Beltangady police circle inspector, Lingappa Poojary, promised the protesters that steps will be taken as per law against the accused persons without any delay. The protest was withdrawn on the basis of this assurance.

The protesters dispersed after asking the police personnel to arrest the concerned immediately. They also warned that they will own stronger methods of protest if the accused are not arrested within a week.

Over 300 people backed by Indian Catholic Youth Movement and several other organizations took part in the demonstration,, which was led by Joel Mendonca.