Five priests summoned over Mannar Bishop solidarity event

Last evening (May 24) the Mannar District Judge sent summons to five priests to appear in courts on Friday morning 9.30 am.  The summons have been sent on the ground that an event organised at the Mannar Catholic church on May 27 would would disturb traffic, minister’s effigy may be burned and amity between the Muslims and Tamils may be harmed.

Summons have been sent to five Catholic priests in the region whom the police suspect are the main organisers of the event.

The priests are Thalaimannar PP Fr. Desmond Kulas, VG, Fr. Victor, Vankalai PP Fr. Jeyabalan Croos, Murunkan PP Fr. Arulraj,  and Madhu Administrator Fr. Emilianuspillai.

A source from the Catholic church says that the event would not cause any hindrance to public life as it was organized to be held in the church premises.

They further say that the police have not been approached for permission as a procession has not been organized.

The event will be held to express solidarity for Manna Bishop, Rt.Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph, against the charges hailed against him.

SLM