Christian delegation urges CM to constitute Christian Development Board

Christian delegation urges CM to constitute Christian Development Board

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 24, 2011: A delegation of Christian leaders, under the leadership of Ronald Colaco, the chairman of the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), met CM D. V. Sadananda Gowda on Aug 24 Wednesday. Dr. V. S. Acharya, the higher education minister, was also present on the occasion.

The delegation submitted a memorandum to the CM, in which it sought all round development of the state and the creation of a communally harmonious environment. It also sought the constitution of a Christian Development Board and the appointment of a chairman and 12 members representing various denominations of the Christian community, while pointing out that 5 months have passed after allotting Rs. 50 crore for the development of the community.

 

 

 

 

The delegation also urged the CM to accelerate the process of withdrawing cases registered against Christian youth during the church attacks of 2008.

Speaking on the occasion, Colaco said that the IFKCA has followed up this issue for over 2 years by meeting former CM B. S. Yeddyurappa, the former home minister, the principal secretary, police commissioners, the IGP, and others. The matter was once again brought up on the occasion of CM B. S. Yeddyurappa’s visit to Mangalore at a Konkani convention held in Mangalore, he added. He also said that the files related to these cases are now being scrutinized by the additional DGP (law and order) in Bangalore.

The CM said that he will give top priority to these issues, adding that the BJP never indulged in any act of communal violence. Gowda said that some people had joined Mahindra Kumar to tarnish the image of the BJP, after which Mahindra Kumar joined JD (S). He also assured the delegation that he will constitute the Christian Development Board and appoint a chairman and committee of 12 representing all denominations.

The delegation comprised Grace Pinto, the managing director of Ryan International Group; Felix D’Souza Taccode; Valerian Fernandes, the president of the Konkani Catholic Federation; Michael Baptist, the general secretary of IFKCA; Dennis D’Silva, the state convener; Rons Bantwal; Arun Mendes; Charles Gomes, Stephen Mendes, Nigel Colaco; Florence Mendes; Anil Rego; Ida D’Cunha; Agnes D’Souza; Louis Lobo, the president of Udupi IFKCA; Prashanth Jatahnna, the vice president; Joylas Taccode, and Stanley K.