Christian associations resist orders on bulldozing cemetery

Members of AP Federation of Churches staged a massive protest at Christian cemetery, Bhavanipuram here on Thursday, demanding that the district officials withdraw their moves in bulldozing the grave yard for the construction of flyover. Leaders and representatives from major Christian associations like RCM, CSI, Baptist Mission and Salvation Army expressed their solidarity and raised slogans to protect the grave yard.

Speaking on the occasion, Gunadala Mary Matha temple rector Fr M Chinnappa said that the district official’s unilateral decision of bulldozing the grave yard for flyover construction was highly deplorable, as majority of the Christians feel that grave yard as sacred place after Church. He made it clear that the Christian association were not against to the flyover construction. Instead, the officials can execute the plan without disturbing the grave yard considering the interests of the Christians at the place, he said.

Social Service Center Director Fr Muvvala Prasada threatened to launch relay hunger strike and massive agitations at the place, if the district officials failed to roll back their move. Meanwhile, West Legislator Jaleel Khan and City Congress President Malladi Vishnu reached the place and demanded the State Government protect the interests of the Christians. Fr Thota Mariya Das, Fr M Jospeh, Christian association leaders Dr M Anthony, B Babu Rao and others also took part in the protest.