Leaders of various religions came together on February 26 evening to pray for peace in the national capital where sectarian violence has claimed at least 28 lives in four days.

The leaders met at Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese. They appealed to the citizens for peace and non-violence and follow the path of loving each other.

One-minute silence was observed for those who lost their lives in clashes in Delhi’s north-eastern areas, bordering Uttar Pradesh State.

Spiritual leader present included chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi of Islam, chairman of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Parmajit Singh Chandok, Jain guru Acharya Lokesh Muni, Swami Parmanand and Delhi Abp Anil J. Couto.

The gathering was informed that Sikh gurudwaras and churches are open round the clock for all the riot victims. “Anybody can come and take shelter in the house of God,” the organizers said.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib near the cathedral has been sending ‘Langars’ (community kitchen serving free meals), ambulance facilities and relief materials to the riot-affected areas.

“This is the spirit of India and no amount of hatred can alter the spirit,” a participant remarked.