Author: A.V. Ragunathan
Publication: The Hindu
Date: March 17, 2008
URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/17/stories/2008031758781000.htm
Introduction: Lock up churches and hoist black
flags in some places
The Palm Sunday celebrations in at least a
dozen churches located in the Dalit Christian dominated areas in Cuddalore
and Villupuram districts were either obstructed or suspended on Sunday.
Palm Sunday is one of the important church
festivals commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The festivities
are stretched over a period of one week preceding Easter, which is termed
Holy Week. On the occasion the Christians take out processions carrying tender
palm leaves to churches as offerings.
The Dalit Christians, observing the day as
a 'black day,' boycotted the festivities. In some places, they locked up the
churches and hoisted black flags to protest the "discriminatory practices"
adopted against them and the attack on their houses at Eraiyur near Ulundurpet
on March 9. In the subsequent police firing two persons had been killed.
The Dalit Christians also evicted the parish
priests and asked them to take up their cause in the meeting convened by Archbishop
Anandarayan in Puducherry on Monday.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the
Dalit Christians' Liberation Movement have given the call to observe the Holy
Week as the "untouchability protest week." State deputy general
secretary of the VCK Sinthanai Selvan told The Hindu that the Archdiocese
was not following the tenet of Pope John Paul that priests should shun caste
bias and discriminatory practices.
The VCK was insisting upon equality in places
of worship but the ground reality was contrary to the expectations. Party
general secretary Thol. Thirumavalavan would lead a demonstration in Puducherry
on March 19, seeking justice for the Dalit Christians, he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thirumavalavan put off his
visit to Eraiyur on Sunday following requests from Villupuram Collector Brajendra
Navnit and Superintendent of Police A. Amalraj who felt that the visit might
escalate tension and precipitate the issue.
The police said the Palm Sunday fete passed
peacefully at Eraiyur Jebamalai Matha Church (of the majority Christians)
in which even a handful of Dalit Christians participated.
