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INDIA-BLASTS (UPDATED) Jul-12-2006 (520 words) With photos. xxxi
Indian bishops, pope condemn deadly blasts in Mumbai
By Anto Akkara
Catholic News Service
THRISSUR, India (CNS) -- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and Pope Benedict XVI deplored the July 11 bomb blasts in Mumbai that killed at least 200 and injured more than 700 people.
"It is a blatant act of aggression on harmless people, and this must be countered with courage and determination by all concerned," the bishops said in a statement July 11. "We appeal to all the affected people to maintain calm and equanimity at this hour of sorrow and grief so that the nefarious designs of the anti-social elements can be defeated."
In a telegram sent to Mumbai's city and church leaders by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, Pope Benedict assured all those affected of his spiritual closeness in prayer.
"While deploring these senseless acts against humanity, the Holy Father commends the many deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty," the telegram said. "Upon their grieving families and the numerous injured he invokes the divine gifts of strength, consolation and comfort."
The string of bomb blasts, most of them in railway cabins, came within minutes of each other during the evening rush hour. Authorities were calling the blasts well-coordinated terrorist attacks, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
The railway system is the city's lifeline for its more than 20 million people. The Mumbai blasts were preceded by five minor blasts in Srinagar, capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. At least eight people, including seven tourists, died in those blasts.
"We are really shocked," said Auxiliary Bishop Percival Fernandez of Mumbai in an interview with Catholic News Service July 11.
Bishop Fernandez said stranded commuters were camping at St. Pius Seminary's Goregaon campus, where he lives, because train service was canceled and telephone lines were disconnected.
"We are making arrangements to accommodate those coming in as they cannot go home tonight," said Bishop Fernandez.
"Many families are in panic," said Dolphy D'Souza, president of the Mumbai Catholic lay council. With casualty figures increasing, D'Souza told CNS, "this only adds to the worries of the families whose members have not been able to establish contact with them."
"My heart reaches out and grieves for all those affected by these blasts and who have lost their near and dear," said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "The series of blasts in Jammu and Kashmir and Mumbai are shocking and cowardly attempts to spread a feeling of fear and terror among our citizens."
The prime minister called an emergency Cabinet meeting. Pakistan joined in condemning the attacks.
"Our hearts go out to the victims, the injured and the relatives of the dead as we pray for peace and courage in the face of this dastardly conspiracy," said the All India Catholic Union in a statement signed by the president, John Dayal. "These dark forces of fanaticism strengthen each other in a mutual frenzy of disseminating hate and intolerance. The nation must be united in defeating them wherever they exist."
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Contributing to this story was Cindy Wooden at the Vatican.
END
Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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