A crowd stormed a Sufi shrine, replacing the green flag with a saffron flag, a symbol of Hindu nationalism. In Nagpur, clashes broke out on 17 March after extremist groups called for the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. In this tense climate, Prime Minister Modi is expected in the city. Once a symbol of harmony, it has become a stronghold of the RSS paramilitary organisation and the centre of religious and political tensions.

In a sacrilegious act, thieves desecrated the Eucharist in the Holy Family parish in Titilagarh. The Bishop of Sambalpur, Mons. Sualsingh: ‘Let us remain united and trust in the Lord even in this moment of trial’.

In a letter circulated in the churches, the complaint about the continuous opening of bars and pubs to make money from the proceeds guaranteed to the State with the licences. The Catholicos of the Orthodox Church also speaks of an ‘explosive situation’. About 10% of the population claims to be a consumer of alcohol.

While military imports fell by 9 per cent thanks to the growth of local industry, India remains the second buyer after Ukraine with Russia as its main supplier. Now it is increasingly looking to France, Israel and the United States, and building up domestic capacity.

With a Mass presided over by Card. Poola, the Holy Year and the long history of the complex, whose first church dates back to 1820, were celebrated. The commitment of the PIME missionaries was remembered. New areas were inaugurated, including a parish centre and the Adoration Chapel.

More than 50 people have been arrested in the wake of communal violence that included several vehicles and houses vandalised. The authorities imposed a curfew imposed in some areas of the city in Maharashtra. Hindu nationalists want to remove the tomb of a Mughal ruler. Rumours that a copy of the Qur'an was burnt sparked a violent a reaction by Muslims. Archbishop Gonsalves urges respect for everyone, and warns against spreading “rumours and false news.”