HYDERABAD, India, AUG. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The archbishop of Hyderabad condemned the back-to-back bombings that left 42 dead in the Southern Indian city, and warned nearby parishes to be on "high alert."
Archbishop Marampudi Joji said that the local Church "condemns this terrorist attack in the strongest possible terms," reported AsiaNews.
"It is horrendous that elements can unleash such a horrific wave of terror on innocent citizens. These bomb blasts are an act of cowardice," he added.
Two separate attacks tore through a popular restaurant and a park late Saturday, in the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The bombings also left some 50 injured.
Due to the proximity of several Catholic parishes in the area, Archbishop Joji said he "personally phoned all 30 parish priests in the diocese to be on high alert and be very cautious of any suspicious activity in around the churches and schools."
He told them "not to panic, but trust in God and take preventive measures to ensure the safety of the Church and our personnel."
The archbishop expressed his "deepest sorrow to the victims of these attacks and their families," and asked for prayers to be said at all Masses "so that Christ may console the families of those who have perished in these bomb blasts."
Archbishop Joji added: "Perhaps the most important help that can be provided is to offer a sense of hope in this time of seeming hopelessness."
The prelate called on all Christian doctors and nurses to work throughout the night to help victims. All Catholic institutions such as schools, hospices and parishes were opened all night to offer hospitality, food and safety to families afraid of going home.
Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, told reporters today after an emergency cabinet meeting that "information points to the involvement of terrorist organizations," the Associated Press reported.
Andhra Pradesh is a state of around 76.2 million people, 80% of which are Hindu, 9% Muslim and 4% Christian.
ZE07082604 - 2007-08-26