HYC seeks action against culprits involved in ‘harassment’ of church leaders
The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today demanded from the state government to take up the matter with the government of Bihar to punish those who were involved in manhandling two religious leaders from the state.
Speaking to media persons, HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said that it is unacceptable for certain groups in Bihar to manhandle two religious leaders from Meghalaya as the constitution of India allows any religion to go for any religious activity.
Kharjahrin said that in Meghalaya every religion be it Christians, Hindu or Muslim has their own rights to do their own activity and nobody has ever interfered hence, the same spirit should be upheld and accepted in all parts of India.
“The constitution of India has given a religious right to all the people to go for any religious activity and there is no law yet to stop this, so we request the government of Meghalaya to pursue the matter with the government of Bihar so that those who were involved in manhandling two religious leaders from the state should be a book as per law,” said Kharjahrin.
Kharjahrin said that the HYC also demanded from the Home Ministry government of India to ensure that this should not happen in the future and it should ensure the safety and security of all religious communities across the country.
On the other hand leaders of the HYC urged that people of the state to not respond irresponsibly to such reports without knowing the full side of the story as it might lead to misunderstanding among other communities.
Church Leaders Forum expresses concern
The Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) has expressed concern about the situation in Bihar where a Christian Pastor and a Church elder from Shillong had encountered some incidents of hostility and aggression which could have put them in grave danger.
“We initiated prayers and intercessions for their welfare and safety and are thankful that no harm has befallen on them as we also received information that they are returning back home,” Secretary of the Forum Rev Dr Edwin H Kharkongor said in a statement here.
He said the KJCLF denounces the perpetration of violence against the Christian Mission workers, and expresses its appreciation to those responsible in the administration of both the States for the efficient communication between them and sorting the situation out in proper manner.
Meanwhile, the Forum also appealed to social media users to restrain from spreading news which has the propensity to provoke unwanted reactions.
Moreover, in supporting the work and services of Churches and Christian Mission organisations, the Forum also called on all concerned to be aware of local prevailing situations while fulfilling their mission work in other parts of the country.
When two days ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited a Christian place of worship on Easter Sunday the Forum appealed to those in authority in the country to see that peace and harmony prevail in society.
Committed to maintain religious harmony: VHP
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday reiterated its commitment to maintaining religious harmony in the state at all times.
This came a day after the Khasi Students’ Union asked the district administration of East Khasi Hills to take appropriate action against the VHP for alleged provocative acts by organizing a rally that has disturbed religious harmony in the society.
In a statement, the VHP said the organization celebrated Ram Janam Utsav in Shillong from March 30 and 31, April 1 and was followed by Shobha Yatra (procession) on April 2.
“The fact is that VHP carries out this procession every year and the Hindu devotees have participated enthusiastically. The programme was conducted in an orderly manner with full support from district administration, superintendent of police and traffic personnel who escorted the yatra for peaceful completion before the scheduled time,” it said.
“VHP respects the sentiments of all religions and has high respect for the indigenous people of our state. A customary slogan like “Jai Shree Ram” was made by the devotees. It is clarified that apart from “Jai Shree Ram” which is meant to hail Lord Rama, no provocative slogan was used during shobha yatra,” the VHP said while assuring that the organization is committed to maintaining religious harmony in the state at all times.
The VHP also referred to a report alleging that the Hanuman Jayanti rally scheduled for April 7, was called off by VHP as factually incorrect. The rally was not organised by VHP, it said.