Human Chain Protest in Derebail  Back

Human Chain Protest in Derebail 

The Diocese of Mangalore in coordination with Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) organised a  Human Chain to protest and fight against the recently introduced  Anti Conversion Law which is in contravention of the rights conferred by the Constitution on its citizens, affecting the rights of the Christian community in particular and also to protest against the innumerable atrocities and injustices being committed on Christians in the country and in our state, Karnataka,  in particular  and to seek justice.

The silent protest was fixed for 2nd March,  Ash Wednesday from evening 6 pm to 7 pm. However,  since the evening Mass at Derebail was at 5.30 pm, the duration of the candlelight vigil was extended by 15 minutes to 7.15 pm. 

Though the protest was announced at short notice, the Parish Priest Rev Fr Austin Peris alongwith Vice President  Mrs Sheela  D'Souza,  swung into action. After a series of meetings with the gurkars, leaders of the church and the Catholic Sabha, the event was meticulously planned. This was extensively published in social media and church announcements and personal communication. 

Accordingly,  the responsibilities were allotted and Vice President,  PPC was overall incharge of the organisation.  Catholic Sabha under its President Mr Anil Patrao  shouldered the responsibility of managing and guiding the Human Chain alongwith the members of the Parish Pastoral Council.  

Immediately after the Ash Wednesday evening Mass,  the parishioners were guided towards the  end points of the proposed Human Chain,  viz. 4th Mile  Akashbhavan cross and Kottara cross in 2 single lines with lighted candles in hand. The Catholic flag and placards carrying the slogans were also carried at regular intervals by the participants.  On reaching the destination,  the volunteers  organised the Human Chain with people standing at a distance of 2 metres between each other. An excess of 800 parishioners participated in the silent protest. 

At exactly 7.15 PM the protest was ended and parishioners dispersed.  It was a disciplined and well  organised protest. The protest did not cause any disturbance to the public and vehicular movement.

Report by: Anil Patrao
Pictures: Simon Pereira