TURA, Jan 9: Union Minister for Minority Affairs, John Barla, who dropped in at Tura Bishop House on Saturday to meet the head of the Catholic church in Garo Hills, Bishop Andrew Marak and Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, C J Jose, was told by the latter that the church has been anguished and concerned about the recent attack in Chhattisgarh by a mob that destroyed statues of Lord Jesus Christ and Mother Mary and vandalised the parish.

“We have expressed concern about the attack against the church in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh as well as the recent issue of a police letter seeking information on churches in Assam. The church is not in favour or against any party or group. We have always been neutral and are worried about the attacks,” said Bishop Jose.

He said that a similar concern was also raised at the all church leaders meeting with the union minister at Tura circuit house.

The bishop also told the minority affairs minister that concerns have been raised on the move by some states to put in place an anti-conversion law bill which appears to be directed against the minorities, particularly Christians.

The Union minister who is a Christian himself (catholic denomination) told Bishop Jose that he is paying a visit to the place of incidence in Chhattisgarh immediately after completion of his Garo Hills tour and will seek answers from the government there over the treatment of minorities.

John Barla acknowledged the immense contributions of the church in the field of education, medical care and social work and he also highlighted the efforts of the central government for the welfare of the minorities.