With peace in Kashmir looks like a distant dream given the ongoing situation in which over 90 people have been killed and thousands injured and blinded by the forces, India’s Catholic bishops have urged prayers for India and Pakistan over Kashmir following an escalation at LOC.
“Today, which marks the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, let us pray for peace,” says Card Oswald Gracias, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (Latin rite), in a message.
The Catholic Church has decided to speak out. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, archbishop of Faridabad, issued a statement saying it is time that reason and common good should prevail over emotion and retaliation. “Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi had said that an eye for an eye will make everyone blind. Any instantaneous action against Pakistan is bound to exacerbate the situation. And that is exactly what the terrorists want,” he said.
According to Archbishop Bharanikulangara, “Any thoughtless strike can lead to war with disastrous consequences for the country. We must abjure all talks of a war. Instead it is imperative to strengthen the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” he insisted. He appealed for dialogue and cooperation between the two governments.
The unrest triggered in Kashmir when government forces killed militant commander Burhan Wani. Since then the state has been in a state of paralysis with tight controls on civilians, and schools, universities and shops closed.
(PTK)