Christians rally to denounce Church attack in Tumakuru, Karnataka

Christians rally to denounce Church attack in Tumakuru, Karnataka

Tumakuru: Thousands of Christians including religious leaders of the Christian community staged a dharna along with hunger strike on 18th July, as they took to the streets in the city to condemn the recent attack on Tomlinson church at Siragate.

The massive rally which started from Bishop Sargent School to Tomlinson Church in Tumakuru city on Monday culminated at the office of Additional Deputy Commissioner.

Wearing black badges, Christians from different denominations including members of Catholic, Protestant, Baptist and Methodist churches from Bengaluru, KGF, Chikkaballapur, Gowribidanur and Channapatna took part in the silent protest.

They later submitted a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner C Anitha.

Defining the act as an attack on the communal harmony and peace, the Head of Church of South India of Central Zone, Samuel B. Pujari said, "The attack is not just an attack on the church. But it is a conspiracy to disturb communal harmony in the district. Christians have been living in the district for the last 200 years. They have served people at times the region was hit by plague."

As part of the protest, the educational institutions affiliated to the Church of South India (CSI) in the district remain closed.