The first audience will be on 14 July to hear the victims of last Christmas assaults. Getting people to testify is difficult because of ongoing intimidation and the psychological effects of the traumatic experience. The tireless work by the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity continues in order to “rebuild hope” among survivors.
Official sources say that Sichuan quake has led to change in schedule. Experts suggest instead that fear of protests in the region closed to the press might be the reason. ‘Return March” is set to reach the border between India and Tibet by tomorrow.
Mgr Henry D’Souza was consecrated today as the new bishop of Bellary. For years he was a pioneer in the field of social communications in India. About the BJP’s increasing appeal among voters he tells AsiaNews that he is neither pessimistic nor pessimistic.
On World Day against Child Labour, the Indian activist calls for better schooling for everyone as the only solution to the problem. Some 55 million children live in slave-like conditions, especially among the lowest castes of society.
The leader of the youth movement recounts his experience in the Indian prisons, and stresses the sense of solidarity with his confreres, who "live under constant Chinese occupation". He emphasises the desire to "return to the country at any cost", and describes China's attitude as "shameful".
The Kerala State Women's Commission asks for the "fixing of the age at which women may choose consecrated life", at no lower than eighteen. A Catholic priest says this is a baseless attack, because the age limit is already contained in canon law, and emphasises the work of sisters "on behalf of women".
On the occasion of the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, the Indian bishop reiterates the need for a “dialogue between religions” that is “truly open-minded.” Mother Teresa and Pope Benedict XVI are examples to follow in order to advance inter-faith “harmony.”
Yesterday afternoon, 259 Tibetans and 6 members of the organising committee were taken away by authorities near Berinag, 160 kilometres from the border. The Tibetan leader of the march reiterates the intention of "reaching the goal" by overcoming "all obstacles".
In Dharamsala, a vigil and a documentary film on the Chinese pro-democracy movement. Comparisons with the recent repression in Tibet. Pro-Tibet activists: solidarity with the Tiananmen Mothers movement, which has been asking for justice for 19 years.
Ahead of the FAO conference on the food price emergency, associations of farmers and fishermen are accusing the FAO itself, the WTO, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund of being among those responsible for the worldwide crisis, by favouring industrialised agriculture and large companies.
In spite of heavy opposition from the Indian government, the marchers are determined to move forward. In Tibet, meanwhile, the situation continues to deteriorate.
Indian authorities detain 19 Tibetans without laying formal charges; fellow marchers ask for their immediate release whilst vowing to continue towards their goal.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
