Church calls for calm and unity in wake of Mumbai blasts

While condemning the triple blasts in Mumbai that left dozens dead and over hundred injured, the Church is also fervently appealing to people to maintain calm and unity.

Three bomb blasts rocked some of the most crowded places of Mumbai killing at least 17 people and injuring 131 others.

The blasts took place two days after the fifth anniversary of the 2006 train blasts that killed 200 people and injured 700.

"We strongly condemn the inhuman and dastardly attack. It is highly unfortunate that we could not prevent the attack despite our vast resources. What is more painful is that this was a serial blast," said Alwan Masih, general secretary of the Church of North India (CNI).

In the midst of pain, he said there was a need for people to remain calm and embrace peace.

"These forces engaged in inhuman actions must not divide and destroy our unity. They do not belong to any civil society. So it is very crucial that we react maturely," Masih expressed.

Wednesday's bomb blasts brought back disturbing memories of 2008's attacks by Pakistani gunmen that killed 164 people.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the apex body of the Catholic Church in India, expressed "deep anguish" at the serial blasts and appealed to people to maintain calm.

"We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families that have lost their near and dear ones. And we remember those who have been injured in these blasts and are being treated at various hospitals of Mumbai. May God grant them courage to face the pain and suffering and bless them with speedy recovery," CBCI said in a statement.

"Violence has never been an enduring solution to any problem in society and those indulging in it contribute nothing but misery to their fellow human beings," the statement added.

"And we believe that this is a time when the whole country must be united to take on terrorism with utmost firmness. United in the spirit of brotherhood, we will be able to overcome the powers that seek to destabilize our country."

While appealing to the government to deal firmly with those behind the heinous crime, the Catholic Church also urged all sections of society to "work together to thwart the nefarious designs of criminal groups that have caused much damage to the social peace and amity."

The Maharashtra government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 to persons injured.

Home Minister P Chidambaram has called a high-level meeting in the wake of the blasts.