The spokesman of the Indian bishops' conference described the attacks as a "heinous" crime against humanity; the government is determined to track down the perpetrators and to restore law and order.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) "A heinous crime against humanity", is how the Indian bishops described yesterday evening's attacks in Varanasi, the sacred Hindu city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. In an interview with AsiaNews, Fr Babu Joseph, spokesman and communications director of the Indian Bishops' Conference (CBCI), said: "The CBCI condemns the two bomb blasts that rocked Varanasi, killing and injuring a host of innocent people who had gathered for prayer at the Sankat Mochan temple. We pray for those killed and offer our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones in the most heinous crime against humanity."
The CBCI spokesman made an appeal to the authorities: "Initiate stringent measures against those perpetrating this bloody violence for partisan ends, so that law and order may be restored at the earliest and an atmosphere of peace and security be maintained." The three bombs, which went off in the temple and the city train station, killed 23 people. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks as yet.
"Violence in any form is unacceptable to us for resolving any conflict, however just the cause may be," added Fr Babu. "Violence only weakens the delicate balance of communal amity in our society, especially in sensitive areas of the country. No effort should be spared in attempts to contain such violent and divisive tendencies, so that citizens can live a life free of fear and uncertainty."