Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes Issues Urgent Appeal for India’s Youth, Calls for Restraint and Justice

Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes has issued an urgent public appeal urging citizens to pray for India, particularly supporting the nation’s youth, Gen Z, journalists, and civil society advocates currently protesting for democratic rights.

The appeal spotlights widespread national grievances, specifically highlighting the recent NEET examination paper leaks and allegations of large-scale voter exclusion affecting over 13 crore citizens during electoral roll revisions.

Bishop Fernandes strongly condemned reports of excessive police force against demonstrators, citing incidents of lathi charges, tear gas, arbitrary detentions, and allegations of sexual harassment against women protesters and media personnel. He further criticized the reported reluctance of authorities to register FIRs against offending officers.

Calling directly on the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to intervene, the prelate stressed that law enforcement must demonstrate accountability, restraint, and respect for human dignity. Rooting his message in Catholic social teaching, scripture, and Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence, he reaffirmed the fundamental right to peaceful assembly under Article 19 of the Constitution.

The statement concluded with an appeal to prayer groups nationwide to pray for the safety of peaceful demonstrators and to urge national leadership to govern with service rather than intimidation.

An Urgent Appeal for India and Our Young People by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes 🙏🏼
Kindly post in your family and friends prayer groups to pray for these intentions daily 🙏