Hans News Service Vijayawada

MonsignorFather Muvvala Prasad of the Vijayawada Catholic Diocese emphasised that “humanity itself is Christianity”. He stated that Christian missionaries have upheld human values since before India’s independence, and that the contribution of Christians to the nation’s development remains unforgettable. He was speaking at a press conference organised on Thursday at St Paul’s Cathedral premises near Benz Circle under the joint aegis of the Federation of Churches and the United Christian Forum.

Father Prasad said that Christianity always stands for peace and never incites violence. He recalled that prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and LK Advani had acknowledged the significant role played by Christians in nation-building. He added that Christians consistently pray for the country’s well-being and good governance, and do not act in ways that disrupt communal harmony.

Expressing concern over rising religious tensions, he said that while such conflicts are often reported in northern parts of India, their spread to Andhra Pradesh is alarming. He warned that the state, once considered a symbol of communal harmony, is now witnessing incidents that could disturb that balance. Increasing attacks on Christians, vandalism of churches, and targeted actions against a particular community indicate that certain extremist elements are fuelling unrest, he alleged. Referring to recent clashes in Pedapeta village of Akividu mandal during the Sri Rama Navami festival, he said the incidents have adversely affected communal harmony in the area. He urged the government to act immediately by forming peace committees and fact-finding committees to prevent further escalation.

Rev Pastor Salluri Jayakumar Babu, Chairman and Director of Bethel Ministries Bible College, also expressed concern over attacks on Christians in states like Manipur and Chhattisgarh. He alleged that similar tendencies are now emerging in the state and urged the government to take strict measures to prevent such incidents. He further demanded the formation of a peace committee comprising members of all communities in Undi constituency.

Retired Circle Inspector from Rajahmundry, Bro K Salman Raju, alleged that following the clashes in Pedapeta over a land dispute during Sri Rama Navami, 57 Dalits were arrested and remain in jail. He claimed that although some have secured bail, influential individuals in constitutional positions are allegedly intimidating others from coming forward to provide sureties. Earlier, the participants staged a protest holding placards, expressing concern over the ongoing religious tensions in Akividu and calling for immediate measures to restore peace and harmony.

Several leaders including Bro Geddam Jyothi Anand of Faith Worship Centre, Swarnadeepika editor Bellamkonda Shivaji Raju, Vijayawada Greater Pastors Fellowship secretary Pastor Bethapudi Ravikant, treasurer Pastor Beeraraju, Pastor Arun Kumar (Lutheran representative), Korukonda Ashok Kumar, and D Anand Singh of the Salvation Army attended the meeting.