GUWAHATI, July 31 � The Head of the Don Bosco organisation, Rev Fr VM Thomas is camping in Kokrajhar since July 29 to supervise and coordinate relief services of the organisation to bring succour to the victims of the recent ethnic violence in the BTAD districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and in neighbouring Dhubri district, a press release received here said.
The relief services are being organised through Guwahati-based Bosco Reachout, Don Bosco Institute and the institutions of the organisation at Bengtol, Kokrajhar and Dotma. Relief materials worth over Rs 5,00,000.00 consisting mainly of clothes are being distributed to the inmates of the relief camps in these areas without discrimination.
The organisation proposes to carry on sustained and effective relief services. It will also network with civil authorities and extend services under their guidance.
�Our services may be just a drop in the ocean. However, as we distribute these relief materials, we pray and hope that we will be able to spread the message of peace and harmony among the various communities living in BTAD and neighbouring districts. When there is violence, no one wins. The children and women suffer most. We plan to supplement the relief services of the Government, particularly with an eye to help the children, women and the elderly. We mourn the death of those who lost their lives and pray and work for the healing of those wounded and stand by those who have been displaced,� Rev Fr VM Thomas said.
The relief services of the organisation is supported by its sister organisations (the FMA Sisters, MSMHC Sisters and the SMI sisters)
The Don Bosco organisation appealed to the general public and particularly the former students to join hands in this humanitarian initiative by mobilizsing human and material resources.
It may be recalled that Fr VMThomas set up the CARE programme for thousands of children whose families were affected by the riots of 1996. A great mobiliser of resources, he has rescheduled his programmes to respond to the need of the hour, the release added.
