The Missionaries of Charity (MoC) has appealed to a Kolkata-based Christian group to drop its plans to hold a protest rally on Oct. 23 objecting Albania's claim to Mother Teresa's remains.
Herod Mullick, state secretary of Bangiya Christiya Pariseba, said the group was to organise a protest against the Albanian government this week. But, with an appeal from the Mother House, the group has decided to cross out the event.
The MoC, he said had requested "not to hold a rally at this time." However, this will not desist the group from disputing Albania's claims.
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha last week asked India to return the remains of the Nobel laureate to Albania by the 100th anniversary of her birth in August 2010. Berisha said his country plans to open a museum in Mother Teresa’s honour.
Reacting to Berisha's demand, Mullick earlier said: "Mother became an Indian by choice. Nobody can support the Albanian government's stand."
Mullick also said he will write to the Government of Albania as well as the Prime Minister of India and Pope Benedict XVI. He also plans to contact the heads of other prominent countries like the US, UK, Italy and France.
Last week, Vishnu Prakash, spokesman for the external affairs ministry, rejected Albania's demand and said, "Mother Teresa was an Indian citizen, and she is resting in her own country, her own land."
Mother Teresa, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003, is buried at the courtyard of the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in Kolkata. She died in 1997.
Missions
MoC objects to protest rally against Albania's request
By: Babu Thomas
Wednesday, 21 October 2009, 16:33 (IST)
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