Ranchi: A human chain protest was held from 4.00 pm till 5.00 pm on Friday against the arrest of Fr. Stan Swamy, SJ, by the NIA at 8.00 pm night, on 8 October 2020 from his residence, Bagaicha, Namkum, Ranchi and was flown to Mumbai the next day and put to jail.
The human chain protest was to take place from the Albert Ekka Chowk to the Kantatoli Chowk via the Dr. Camil Bulcke Path. But it took place from the gate of St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, till the Kantatoli Chowk because the district administration disallowed it to start from the Albert Ekka Chowk, of which the information came only at 12.51 pm on the 16 October 2020.
Thousands of people stood on both sides of the road holding slogans and banners in support of him, of great work done for the tribals, Dalits, marginalized and the poor sections of the people. In the protest- religious men and women, large number of Christian community, men, women and youth paticipated. The placards read thus: Immediate withdrawal of all cases against him and of his immediate release.
The protest demonstration was concluded by a short prayer at 5.30 pm at St Mary’s Cathedral with only 50 participants. The prayer meeting was introduced by Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi. The Gospel was read by Fr. Provincial Ajit Kr Xess, SJ, and the prayers included for the release of Fr. Stan, for social unity, for the good governance by the leaders of the country and for justice and peace for all. The prayer meeting ended with the blessing by the Archbishop Felix Toppo, SJ. and Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX
We STAND by Fr. Stan Swamy & our Solidarity with the Archdiocese of Ranchi will continue. The Diocese of MIAO(DoM), East Arunachal Pradesh under the guidance of our vry Energetic, Strong, Dynamic & beloved Shepered, Most Rev. Dr. GEORGE PALLIPPARAMBIL, Sdb, has PRAYED & STANDs by Fr. Stan Swamy protesting in all possible forms & Intimating to Authorities thru all possible forms & means.