In his letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and to the chief minister of Orissa Archbishop Saldanha offered “his condolences over the loss of human life”, conveying his “deep sorrow and concern over the destruction of places of worship and properties in attacks on Christians in the state of Orissa.”

In both letters Monsignor Saldanha urged Indian authorities “to take the necessary steps to protect religious minorities.”

“Attacks against minorities, especially Christians, have become commonplace,” he said. “Taking a clear position on the matter can help settle the issue.”

Archbishop Saldanha, who is also the chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, urged Indian authorities “to investigate these incidents and bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice”

According to Pakistani bishops, “the situation is worrisome in the whole South Asian region.” In fact violence against Christian minorities have been reported in India and Pakistan as well as Sri Lanka, accompanied in some cases by anti-conversion laws and incidents that accentuate tensions between religious communities.

“Whilst Pakistan is also struggling against violence and the abuse of religion for political ends, people of goodwill wish to see India becoming a role model for interfaith peace and harmony in the region. In fact, religious diversity is a celebrated part of Indian history,” he said.