Sri Lanka serial blasts which rocked the entire world, now churches in Mumbai will be undergoing immediate security audits.
According to the Indian Express, churches like Mount Mary in Bandra and St Michael’s Church in Mahim will undergo immediate security audits after a meeting between Mumbai Police and the Mumbai Archdiocese was held. The recommendations will be handed out by the Mumbai police to churches across the city to assess their security measures. Former vice-chairman of the state Minorities Commission Dr Abraham Mathai told the leading daily, “We are a soft target, and there is certainly a sense of fear among parishioners after the serial explosions in Sri Lanka. The police will undertake an audit of some major churches immediately, while other parishes may seek the assistance of the Maharashtra State Security Corporation.”
In the meeting, it was suggested hand-held metal detectors and CCTV camera systems can be installed including traditional greeting by ushers at every church to recognise members of the congregation. Dr Mathai told the leading daily, “So perhaps newcomers unless that are attending a service along with a parishioner, could be screened in an unobtrusive and inoffensive manner.”
The Mumbai police will now undertake a security audit for St Micheal’s Church in Mahim where every Wednesday tens of thousands gather, and Mount Mary Church in Bandra. Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson for the Mumbai Archdiocese told the leading daily, that the Archbishop’s house will soon convey to all 11 zones under which Mumbai’s churches have clustered the recommendations made by the police.