Mangalore Diocese News

CT News
Photos: St Aloysius College

Mangaluru, Oct 13 : October 12 was observed as ‘National Day of Solidarity’ showing solidarity to Fr Stan Swamy and other Human Rights Activists who are being harassed and tortured for their role in seeking justice for the poor and downtrodden people.

Father Stan Swamy, 83, was a Jesuit priest belonging to Jamshedpur Jesuit Province. He is noted for his advocacy of the rights of indigenous peoples, locally known as tribals and adivasis. He was arrested on October 8 in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.

The priest has been accused by the government for links with Maoist insurgents who are accused of being behind a riot in Bhima Koregaon village in the western state of Maharashtra in December 2018. He has been remanded by a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Maharashtra capital, Mumbai, until his hearing scheduled for 23 October.

In a statement before his arrest, Father Swamy claimed he has never been to Bhima Koregaon.

Nation-wide protests were held by various organizations and the social media demanding justice, immediate and unconditional release of such activists who have been sent to jail for standing with the last, least and the lost communities and tribes, from 4 pm-5 pm on October 12, as a mark of silent protest day of prayer and support.

In Mangaluru, a Silent Human Chain Protest ‘Seeking Justice’ for Fr Stan Swamy Sj and other Human Rights Activists, was organized by St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru; Citizen Forum for Mangaluru Development, Mangaluru; Spandana Trust, Jeppu, Mangaluru , together with like-minded citizens at St Aloysius College Campus, on Monday, 12 October 2020 from 4 pm onwards.

The gathering expressed its deep sorrow and anguish on the arrest of Father Stan Swamy & others.

Fr J B Crasta the Secretary to Lay Faithful Commission and Roy Castelino represented from the Mangalore diocese.