Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhubaneshwar (Agenzia Fides) – Tribal people, women, civil society associations, priests, religious demonstrated peacefully today in different places of Orissa for the release of the two Italian hostages, Paolo Bosusco and Francesco Colangelo, in the hands of Maoist rebels. As local sources of Fides inform, demonstrations were held in the capital Bhubaneshwar and also in the district of Kandhamal, where the kidnapping took place, with wide participation of tribal communities.
"This mobilization of society is a good sign. The district of Kandhamal was joined by school students. The appeal comes from below, from the population, while negotiations are ongoing", notes to Fides Fr. Santosh Digal, responsible of Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar. The priest is now in the district of Kandhamal, sent by the Bishop to monitor the situation closely.
As far as negotiations are cencerned Fr. Santosh says: "Dialogue has begun, and this is an important first step. We are confident of a positive outcome. I think the Government will surrender to some of the rebels’ demands, and these will consent to the release. It is the logic of compromise, which I think will be reached in a short space of time. "The priest informs that "even today, the police contacted us to know the Church’s opinion and have the informal support of the Christian community in the work of mediation: we are considered particularly important for our close relationship with the tribal communities," remarks Fr. Santosh. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2012)
