Religious leaders in Meghalaya, backed by the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC), have condemned alleged acts of violence and intimidation against the Christian community during Christmas celebrations in Assam and Rajpur. Fr. Richard Majaw, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Shillong, described these incidents as an “attack on faith itself,” emphasizing that assaults on believers equate to “attacking God.” He called on both state and central governments to urgently intervene, warning that such persecution only serves to strengthen the faith of Christians.
Rev. Edwin H. Kharkongor, secretary of the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF), expressed profound outrage over the ongoing violence directed at Christians and their institutions in Assam. He highlighted prior incidents, including the desecration of religious images in February 2024 and reports of individuals being barred from wearing religious attire. Kharkongor stressed the importance of schools in shaping young minds, arguing that denying children the joy of Christmas celebrations is a “moral crime.” While he welcomed assurances from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding strict legal action, he urged authorities to safeguard educational institutions and promote interfaith cooperation.
The MPMC also issued a robust condemnation of these acts, with President Joplyn Scott Shylla labeling them “deeply disturbing” and contradictory to constitutional values of secularism and religious freedom. She argued that aggression against a religious minority undermines the spirit of the Constitution and called for immediate, stringent action against the perpetrators. Shylla urged citizens to foster communal harmony, insisting that intolerance has no place in a democracy.
The Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) echoed these demands for strict legal repercussions for those disrupting Christmas celebrations, asserting that such actions violate India’s social fabric and constitutional principles. BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang described the actions of the alleged assailants as “painful,” warning that they could tarnish the nation’s image. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the Constitution and the right of every citizen to celebrate their faith. Kharkrang alleged that certain political groups are trying to frame isolated incidents as organized efforts for political advantage and noted that Prime Minister and senior BJP leaders routinely attend Christmas services, setting a precedent for party members. The BJP in Meghalaya confirmed its commitment to ensuring the arrest, prosecution, and punishment of those responsible under the law.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/12/27/bajrang-dal-atrocities-on-christians-rile-state/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-12-27 03:10:00
