Bomb attack during Jehovah's Witnesses’ annual event in Kerala: solidarity with victims’ families and congregation.

The LIREC Center for Studies expresses its deepest solidarity with the relatives of the victims and the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses which suffered another serious act of violence: on October 29, in the city of Kalamassery in Kerala, India, several bombs exploded at a building where Jehovah’s Witnesses were gathered.

The explosions killed three worshippers and injured more than 60 people.

The claim of the bombing by a person who turned himself in is being investigated by police.

This was yet another hate crime targeting worshippers gathered in a place of worship, where instead of the chants and prayers of Jehovah's Witnesses, the roar of explosions and cries of terror were heard as worshippers tried to get out to escape the flames.

 Our Center for Studies reaffirms its support and closeness to a religious community that has been discriminated against, persecuted, and even banned in various parts of the world, and that today finds itself sharing another bereavement generated by the blind violence of another human being.

We huddle around the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses assuring once again our support and closeness.

STATEMENT BY JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

Explosions at a conference in Kerala, India.

Jehovah's Witnesses are deeply saddened by a horrific attack on our peaceful community in Kerala, India. On Sunday, October 29, 2023, at least two bombs exploded at an annual regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Sadly, we can confirm that three attendees were killed and more than 60 were injured. Over 2,200 people were in attendance at the event, including families and members of the public. All had gathered simply to benefit from free education about the Bible.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are very grateful for the authorities who are investigating this crime and providing protection for our places of worship. At this time, it is unwise for us to speculate about the perpetrator(s) or the motive.

We are also thankful to the emergency medical personnel who promptly arrived on the scene to render aid, as well as hospital staff who are caring for the critically injured.

Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide grieve for the victims of this traumatic event and are praying for the victims’ families. During this time of tragedy, we are comforted by the Bible’s hope of a future when violence will no longer occur.