The vehicle was stopped last Friday. It was bringing the items from Kolkata (capital of West Bengal) to the Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Jhapadra. The driver and his two aides were assaulted but did not suffer serious injuries. The statues were going to be placed along a road as part of the Via Crucis ceremony before Easter.
“There is a feeling of insecurity among the people,” the bishop said. “It is getting worse because the police investigation is going nowhere.
“I spoke with the superintendent of police. He was very polite and attentive, and assured us of action,” Bishop Ganawa said. “He raised security in the area right away, but there has been no progress. No one has been arrested.”
“We have no idea who might have done such a thing. The driver and the others who were with him are not local and so could not identify anyone,” the prelate added.
This is not the first time that the Diocese of Jhabua has experienced anti-Christian violence. In 1998, four nuns were raped by a group of unknown attackers. In March 2004, there was a terrible outbreak of anti-Christian hostilities, followed by skirmishes.
The Social Service Society (JDSSS) operates tirelessly in the diocese. Its goal is to “create a society where people live with respect and dignity, free of exploitation and independent to fulfill their basic needs,” the bishop said.
The district has a population of about 785,000. The JDSSS works with Tribal communities, who represent 85 per cent of the population.
The 30,000 Catholics are organised in 28 parishes and a number of mission stations.
Jhabua District has the highest level of illiteracy and poverty in Madhya Pradesh. The Catholic Church has tried to empower the weakest and poorest of the state through its education and health ministries.