NCCI appeals for respect for human life

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) Saturday called for sharper vigilance and greater security arrangements in the wake of the Delhi High Court bombing that claimed 13 lives.

"In the context of the recent blasts in Mumbai and Delhi, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses it profound sorrow at the loss of so many precious human lives," Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, general of the NCCI, said.

Dr. Gaikwad appealed to people to cultivate respect for human life and said political agenda "cannot be militantly pushed by killing humans and spreading terror".

"In a land where people are highly religious, let the message of love for all humans permeate the life styles and relationships of all citizens," he said.

Wednesday's Delhi High Court bombing has led to the police beefing up security and intensifying combing operations. The blast reportedly injured over 90 people.

The NCCI called upon people to exercise sharper vigilance in the society so that the "designs and activities of harmful agencies could be nipped in the bud and thereby prevented from causing destruction".

"Citizens should be mature and responsible enough not to be enticed by monetary and other benefits offered by the forces of hatred and violence," the apex body of the Protestant and Orthodox churches said.

At the same time, the NCCI also appealed to the Government to make adequate security arrangements to guarantee safety of citizens and to ensure that anti-national elements do not further disturb peace in the country.