Christians worried

Though the State Government had assured that no programmes would be permitted during the Christmas season, it had failed to keep its word which created a feeling of anxiety and doubt among the tribals, stated Bishop Godfrey de Rosario. The missionaries said each community had the right to set up places of worship. 8220;But the timing and location of the temple in Halmodi makes it suspect, particularly when it preceded the distribution ofprovocative leaflets,8221; he said.

Bishop Rosario said the State Government had not taken either them or Halmodi residents into confidence before giving the go ahead for the shilanyas programme. He also disputed the government8217;s claim that the missionaries in Surat district had given a written undertaking that they had no objection to the shilanyas.