Nun breaks down before inquiry commission

Deposing before the Justice B K Somasekhara Commission of Inquiry on Monday,  Sr Alice D’Souza, a 70-year-old nun, narrated the story of the attack on Milagres Adoration Monastery last year. The Commission is probing into the church attacks that took place across the State.

“The then convener of Bajrang Dal, Mahendra Kumar, had stated that they had attacked the New Life Centres only; but why did they attacked our Adoration Monastery? It is still painful for me to remember the incident of insult to blessed sacrament and holy books,” Sr Alice told Justice S R Raviprakash, the legal advisor for the Commission.

“On the very next day of the church attacks, the leaders of both Christian and Hindu communities had decided to be harmonious thereafter, but the unfortunate incidents continued. I felt very bad when I came to know that my own students had thrown stones on churches accompanying the organisations,” she said.

Vinny D’Souza, a witness for violence at Kulashekhar church said he still feel scared when he see people with saffron shawls. Another witness Stany D’Souza alleged that Inspector Ganapathi was mainly responsible for unnecessary use of tear gas and lathi charge.
Sr Celina asked why the police, who “assaulted” Christians, did not take any action against the Bajrang Dal activists. One more witness Dora Fernandes complained that police beat his son when he was out for medicine.

“I have taught human values for 33 years as a teacher. I had never thought about conversions. If organisations like Bajrang Dal are not banned, many more problems will arise in future,” said Sr Ida.