Pics by Spoorthi Ullal/Abhijith N Kolpe/ Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Mar 2: The Catholic Sabha, along with all its local branches in the district, held a candle light human chain on the roads and highways outside all the churches throughout Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday, March 2 as a mark of peaceful protest against the Anti Conversion Bill proposed by the Government of Karnataka.
The protest began at 6 PM simultaneously in all the parishes including Rosario, Milagres, Bejai, Bendoor, Bondel. Thousands of Christians participated expressing concern over the country being divided on communal lines. The priests and nuns led by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha took part in the protest in large numbers. Former MLA J R Lobo also headed a group of protestors in front of Abharan Jewellers in Bendoor.
St Lawrence Church, Bondel
The parishes from across Mangalore took part in the protest. The protestors also delved on other issues like atrocities committed on Christians, destruction of 40-year-old Christian prayer hall at Kuloor here and desecration of the statue of Jesus Christ in Bengaluru.
The silent protestors urged the Government to drop the Anti Conversion Bill stating that it was in clear violation of the Constitutional Rights. The protestors also exptessed fears that the Bill could be misused and the Christian community may have to face a lot hardships as a result. Several Catholic organisations including Cathoilc Sabha and ICYM took part in the protest.
President of Catholic Sabha Sri Stanley Lobo and PRO of Mangalore Diocese, Roy Castelino thanked all the community members for participating in the protest.