Prayers offered for Kandhamal violence victims

Nashik, Aug 29 (UNI) Prayers were offered for victims of Kandhamal violence in Orissa by the Christian community here today.

As per a communique issued by president of Catholic Bishop's Conference of India (CBCI), Cardinal Varkey Vidyathil, VHP leader Swami Laxmananand Sarswati and five others were killed on July 25 in Kandhamal district of Orissa, following which Christians were killed and their houses, churches were burnt.

In protest of these killings, Catholic-run educational institutions across the nation remain closed today, he said.

The main prayer rally was held at St Xavier's school here, with more than 500 people attending the rally.

The rally was conducted by Archbishop felix Machado, who in his address, urged the people to maintain peace.

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