(ANS – Guwahati) – A statue of Don Bosco was found in Bharalu river, close to Guwahati, in the State of Assam. It should have been unveiled to the faithful on August 7^th. Fr. Thomas Vattathara, SDB, Superior of the Salesian Province of Guwahati, declared, “The statue had been installed after obtaining all necessary permits from the government”.

According to first rumours, police arrested four people suspected of having vandalized and thrown the statue in the water stream just a few hours before the inauguration ceremony in the presence of Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam.

Msgr. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati, tells AsiaNews: "The contribution of the Salesian apostolate to education is well recognized by all religions in Assam, and a significant percentage of the population was emancipated thanks to them. This incident is unfortunate and some elements are responsible. Disagreement and dissent must be seen in a positive light, but to desecrate and then throw [the statue] into the river wounds our religious sentiment".

Published 21/08/2015