DC urged to ensure observance of Maundy Thursday without any hindrance on polling day

DC urged to ensure observance of Maundy Thursday without any hindrance on polling day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Mar 8, 2014 : A Christian delegation  met Deputy Commissioner AB Ibrahim  on March 7, Friday, on behalf of the Bishop  of Mangalore to  request the administration to ensure that the Christian brethren  could observe Maundy Thursday on April 17, which happens to be the Lok Sabha elections day in the state.

 The delegation including Fr.William Menezes, Fr J B Crasta and  MP Noronha, Convener of Mangalore Diocese Political Awareness Committee pointed out to the DC that the day is  sacred  to the Christian community which attends church service/mass after  3 pm on that day.

The memorandum said “In Karnataka especially in DK district, many  number of polling centres are in the schools which are close by the churches. Consequently those who are attending the mass or service of worship in the church should not be put to inconvenience and hence suitable arrangements are required to be made by the  election commission and the district administration to prevent any inconvenience to the persons who are attending the mass or service of worship.

The DC was further requested not to depute Christian teachers or government employees  on election duty  lest they will be depived of attending the masses or service of worship that day  as observance of Maundy Thursday is an integral part of Christian Faith.

It also requested the DC to make suitable arrangement on the election day to prevent any inconvenience to the Christian faithful while attending the church located near the polling booths.”

The Deputy Commissioner  assured to bring the matter to the notice of the CEC and also try his level best to   ensure that the interests of the Christians are protected. A copy of the memorandum has also been forwarded to the Chief Election Commissioner.