Indian archdiocese temporarily closes schools after violence erupts

Published: 2007-08-30

AGRA, India (CNS) -- The Agra Archdiocese temporarily closed all its schools and colleges after violence erupted in the city that is home to the Taj Mahal, the famous marble mausoleum. Police imposed a curfew Aug. 29 after one person was killed and several were injured in demonstrations reacting to the deaths of four Muslim youths. Television footage showed a deserted city and smoke billowing from vehicles in some areas. "The Christian community is safe," Father Ignatius Miranda, archdiocesan chancellor, told the Asian church news agency UCA News Aug. 30. "The situation is calm now." The archdiocese closed its schools and colleges in the area as a precaution, Father Miranda said, and planned to reopen them Sept. 1. Violence broke out in the early morning of Aug. 29, after a speeding truck mowed down and killed four Muslim youths who were returning home after a religious procession. The previous night was observed as a night for forgiveness or atonement, a time when Muslims pray for the dead.

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