Christian community united and strongly protested
Prayagraj: Anger among the Christian community and local residents continues to grow against the alleged illegal occupation of the Katra Mission Compound land by the district administration. In this context, an important emergency meeting was held today at the Katra Church premises. A large number of local citizens, representatives and pastors from various churches in the city, unanimously expressed their displeasure and strongly protested against this action by the administration.

The meeting was chaired by Rev. Ajit Oliver Francis, Presbyter-in-Charge of Katra Church. Rev. Manish Zaidi, representing the Church of North India Trust Association (CNITA), stated that the land was originally granted by Maharaja Sawai Mansingh of Jaipur in 1849. He also clarified that all government revenue records related to the disputed property currently bear the name of the “American Presbyterian Church,” and that the “American Presbyterian Church” has been legally merged with the Church of North India Trust Association (CNITA). Following this legal merger, the Church of North India Trust Association automatically retains the legal succession and inherent right to maintain, manage, and own the entire property.

Consequently, any claims or alleged construction by any other party or the district administration are completely illegal and contrary to legal principles. Rev. Praveen Massey, Secretary of the Diocese of Lucknow, who was present on the occasion, stated that these irrefutable documentary evidence, including government records and the merger, will be strongly presented before the investigating officer and the High Court. Presbyter-in-Charge of Katra Church, Rev. Ajit Oliver Francis, who chaired the meeting, said, “We have solid and valid government documents proving that this land belongs to the Church of North India Trust Association.” The large turnout at the meeting is proof that the entire Christian community is united against this injustice. We are demanding only justice from the administration and will pursue every constitutional and judicial avenue to protect our land.” Senior church leaders from Allahabad Bible Seminary, St. John’s Church, All Saints Cathedral, St. Paul, Jamuna Church, St. Peter, and Naini Community Church participated in the meeting. Those present included Jayant Higgins, Vandana Francis, Rev. Shashi Prakash, Angelina Chintamani, Arun Paul, SP Lal, Rev. Tapas Ghosh, SK Nath, Jitendra Nath, Dr. Alok Milton Lal, Isaac Singh, Arun Paul, Mudit Mohan Srivastava, Sandeep Balfour, Sanjay Walter Karan, Ankit Higgins, Samson Samuel, Preeti Lal, media in-charge Sunil Kumar Verma etc. were present.