Media Release by Fr Adolf Washington
Bangalore, Sep 12: Minorities Minister Dr. Mumtaz Ali called on archbishop Bernard Moras at his residence at 7.30pm saturday. During the 45 minute meeting, the Minister reassured the archbishop that he , in his capacity as Minorites minister will press for an urgent and speedy inquiry into the hebbaguddi incident. "The Chief minister is very serious about bringing the culprits to book and has instructed top police officers to ensure that no such attack on the Christian community should recur".the Minister said. DGP Ajai Singh caleld on archbishop at 11.30 am to reassure the Archbishop on the police department's resolve to prevent such incidents.
The Archbishop asked "How can the Government instill confidence in the Christian community if inquries take so long? We have no results whatsoever still, from the inquiries into the church attacks last year". "We have been very resilient, calm and composed in the face of so much injustice" the archbishop said. "Christians are most tolerant" the Minister said assuring the Arcbishop "I will exert pressure wherever possible to ensure speedy justice and prevention of such incidents of violence against the Christian community" .
The Archbishop expressed dismay over the manner in which fund allotments for minorities are being handled. "I have enough and more incidents to show you how scholarships and funds alloted to the minorities does not reach the Christian community. There are instances where, without a bribe, no sanction is made. Giving a bribe goes against the ethos of the Christian community and principle" the Archbishop said.
He also referred to cases where applications under the Aradhane scheme from the Christians have not been sanctioned. "These are ways in which we are denied the justice that is due to us" the Archbishop said, impressing upon the minister to ensure that the Government ensures justice to the Christian community.