Christian community calls for talks, appeals to save historical heritage
Prayagraj: On Saturday, representatives of the Christian community held an important dialogue to protest the proposed construction of the Stamp and Assistant Registrar’s Office (Registry Office) on the historic grounds of the Katra Mission Compound. The Christian community called for the proposed construction to be an attack on education, social service, and their religious heritage, and demanded the administration immediately halt it.
Moderating the discussion, Rev. Ajit Oliver Francis, Presbyter-in-Charge of Katra Church, highlighted the historical significance of the land. He explained that the land was originally granted by Maharaja Sawai Mansingh of Jaipur in 1849. Subsequently, in 1905, G.M. Alexander purchased it through auction. The primary and sole purpose of this entire exercise was to promote selfless service to humanity, religious work, and the promotion of education in society. Addressing reporters, Rev. Francis explained that two of the city’s most prestigious educational institutions—Bishop Johnson Extension and Mary Lucas College—currently operate within the Katra Church’s premises. Additionally, approximately 90 Christian families also have residential quarters located there. He explained the technical and legal aspects and clarified that the proposed land was shown in the documents to maintain the board recognition of both prestigious schools. If any other construction takes place on this land, the recognition of these schools will be in danger and the future of thousands of students along with the families living here will be affected. In the discussion program, Rev. Manish Gunjan Zaidi, the authorized party on behalf of CNITA, said that he will file a petition in the Honorable High Court on Monday and assured that the Christian community will win. Specially present, Diocese of Lucknow Secretary Pastor Praveen Massey took a firm stance on the matter, stating, “This land of the Katra Mission Compound is a historical and spiritual heritage of the Christian community. Any kind of commercial or government encroachment on this land will not be tolerated.” Through this press conference, Rev. Ajit Oliver Francis appealed to the Christian community that this is not just a fight for a piece of land, but a fight for the very existence of the community. He appealed to all members of the church and society to put aside their differences and unite to help secure this historical heritage and the future of future generations. Dr. Alok Milton Lal, Vandana Francis, Dr. Neetu Massey, Lavi Singh, Oliver Singh, Richard Higgins, Jayant Higgins, Neelam Lal, Varun Paul, Eva Das, Tarun Higgins, Vineet Halsey, Abhishek Vyas, Mudit Mohan Srivastava, Sunil Verma, and others were present at the meeting.
