Christian priest abducted and released in Jharkand

A Jesuit priest from Jharkand was last week kidnapped by suspected criminals who demanded a ransom for the release.

However, latest reports confirm that Father Basil Lakra, the victim, was released after the village leaders interfered and held talks with the abductors.

According to a correspondent, an armed gang of 10 had abducted Father Primius Kerketta and Basil Lakra, at gunpoint. After traveling about one kilometer, the gang released Father Kerketta with orders to bring 1 million rupees (US$23,250) as ransom to secure the release of Father Lakra.

Fr Kerketta who is in charge of the mission's Seva Kendra told UCA news, he informed villagers about the incident after which they entered the forest and freed Father Lakra through negotiations.

Although no money has been handed over to the abductors, the villagers during negotiations promised to arrange some money through village 'collections'.

According to Father Muthu, the abductors claimed they were Maoists but the Jesuits suspect they are local criminals. The area is a stronghold of Maoists, he acknowledged.

May be a little 'terrified' but the Priests have asserted, this will not dispirit them in the mission. "We are not afraid of such incidents and are not going to run away," they said.

Fear has now gripped several Christian leaders in the area, who deplore criminals treating priests as soft targets to extract money.

Bishop Jojo, of the Gossner Evangelical Church pointed out that it is a "a very serious matter" as there are over thousands of priests and nuns working in remote Jharkhand villages, which has also benefited the Maoists.

The Church has strongly declared that it would not pay any ransom for its workers. They fear it might only increase the kidnappings and attacks against the Church.