Christians arrested for protesting state diversion of tsunami funds

At least 5000 people who were on a church–organized demonstration protesting Kerala state’s alleged diversion of funds meant for tsunami victims were arrested by the police yesterday.

The protesters, who gathered at Alappuzha (formerly Alleppey) town, included priests and nuns from the Alleppey Diocese.

According to a report by the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News), the protest was against the injustices committed by the state's Marxist–led coalition government, for the misappropriation of Tsunami funds.

Protesters who gathered early morning 6 a.m, were arrested by the police who charged the demonstrators for blocking the office of collector, government district officer and officials who were unable to function due to the protest.

Bishop Stephen Athipozhiyil of Alleppey diocese said, the government ignored their pleas and diverted funds, which has sparked the protest.

"The diocesan area was among coastal regions around the Indian Ocean region that suffered heavy destruction during the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami. Many were killed, hundreds lost their homes and fishing gear," the bishop told UCA news.

The state had received 13.41 billion rupees ($330.7 million USD) for tsunami relief operations, pointed a prelate.

However, G.Sudhakaran the State Minister for Co–operation accused the Bishops for playing politics and denied allegations that the government diverted funds.

"We have implemented the program as per the norms set by the federal government. If the church has complaints, we will look into it," said the minister.