Inter-faith prayer session held for 2 boys found dead in canal

“No one deserves this, we mourn as one. God bless your souls and your family. Rest in peace little angels,” went one message placed near the canal where two boys were found dead on Friday night.

- Samuel Devaraj

White roses had been positioned carefully close by, alongside other messages, bouquets and candles. About 20 residents stood silently as leaders from different religions came together to pray there yesterday morning.

Representatives from six religious organisations conducted the prayers – Imam Mohamad Idris from Al-Huda Mosque, the Venerable Rui Zhen from Beeh Low See Temple, Father Francis Lim from the Church of St Ignatius, Reverend Roy Koh from Glory Presbyterian Church, a priest from Ling Xuan Services, and a priest from Sri Arasakesari Sivan Temple.

Ms Sim Ann, an MP for HollandBukit Timah GRC, attended the session at a park along Greenridge Crescent, near where the 11-yearold twins, Ethan and Ashton Yap, were found.

Before the prayers, she said of the boys: “Even if we do not know them personally, their untimely demise is heartbreaking, especially to those of us who are parents ourselves. It is an unthinkable loss.