Violence prompts Agra archdiocese to close Christian schools and colleges

All schools and colleges run by Christians under Agra archdiocese will be closed until September 1, due to violence belched in the northern Indian city. However, the situation is "now calm," says a church official.

On August 29, a speeding truck mowed down four Muslim youths who were back to home after a religious procession. The previous night was observed by Muslims as a "night of forgiveness or atonement," a time to pray for the dead.

The incident effectuated angry crowds burning trucks, a shoe factory and petrol pump.
As a matter of precaution, the archdiocese closed its schools and colleges, explained Father Miranda.

Father Babu Joseph, spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, condoling the deaths, said, "Indians need to change our mindset and address issues more objectively and rationally. People belonging to all communities should exercise restraint in order to avoid human tragedies."

Due to the authorities having closed the Taj Mahal which attracts an average of 20,000 people daily from India and overseas, tourists were affected and the state government advised them to stay in their hotels until peace restored.