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'The church attacks have been deliberately planned and carried out'

February 04, 2015 11:30 IST

'We are knocking at the doors of the central government, but nothing is happening.'

One of the Delhi churches burnt down by arsonists.

Five churches have been attacked in New Delhi in the last two months.

The first attack took place on December 1 last year and the latest on February 2. Father Mathew Koyical, left, below, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Delhi, highlights the community's concerns in this telphone conversation with A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com.

What are you planning to do next?

We are knocking at the doors of the central government, but nothing is happening.

Even the FIRs (First Information Reports) that we have lodged, there is no mention of desecration.

All the cases have been said to be about trespassing and robbery.

Churches of all denominations will have prayer sessions to stop these attacks.

Is there any police presence at the churches that have been attacked?

The police are now present at all the five churches that have been attacked.

What about other churches in Delhi?

Patrolling has been intensified. Now, there is a police presence at all churches in Delhi.

Father Mathew Koyical

Who do you think is behind these attacks?

These attacks have been deliberately planned and carried out, that is obvious. They have all happened in the last two months.

Why are they happening and who did it? That is the duty of the government and the police to find out.

We are not blaming anybody.

Churches have been attacked in other parts of the country too.

Are you planning to approach the judiciary?

So far no police report has come out on the attacks. We have not received any information from the police.

If nothing happens, we may have to approach the judiciary. That is our last resort.

REDIFF RECOMMENDS

Top image: One of the Delhi churches burnt down by arsonists.

A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com