Christian priests raise concern over security post Agra church attack

Christian priests in Mathura on Friday raised security concern after an attack on the 95-year-old St. Mary's Church in Agra on Thursday.

The priests fear that they, too, could be attacked by anti-social elements.

"The desperate elements could easily target any. Under the new government at the Centre, the attacks have become more frequent," said Father Saji, a priest at a church in Jait village in Mathura district.

Father Saji said the district administration made no security arrangements even after the recent spate of churches being attacked.

Mathura district has around a dozen churches and educational institutions run by different denominations, but their security is lax.

In Agra, Christians marched with candles on Thursday evening to protest administrative indifference. Protests will continue till the culprits are nabbed, community leaders said.

Rajesh Modak, senior superintendent of Agra police, said investigations were on with four teams on the job and that the suspects would be arrested soon.

Father Moon Lazarus, parish priest, demanded arrest of the attackers who, he said, were "mentally diseased."

A group has threatened to close down Christian missionary schools in Agra, if the culprits were not booked soon.