SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has condemned the attack on Christians and the vandalisation of the church at Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh.
In a tweet on January 3, he urged the authorities to take strict action against those involved.
He added, “Praying for speedy recovery of the police personnel and those injured during the incidents.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Association of Shillong has expressed deep concern over the letter issued and sent by Special Branch – Assam Police to all Deputy Commissioners of Police (int.) and Superintendents of Police at all districts of the state.
The letter is on the subject “Religious Conversion reg”. The letter bears references to two conferences held by the department on November 2, 2022 and on December 21, 2022 respectively.
The association stated, “What transpired from the content of the letter, the motive of the government is very alarming in nature particularly towards Christian minorities in the state.”
“In this regard, the Catholic Association of Shillong, would like to categorically state that under article 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the Indian constitution, all Indian citizens have been legally bestowed with the right to freedom of religion.
“Therefore, the Association seeks the intervention of the Central Government through the Home Ministry to ensure that such exercises of targeting Christian minorities be stopped once and for all and instead take steps to enhance the space of communal harmony.”
Former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma tweeted, “What is happening in this country? Are we forgetting the strength that we draw as a Nation from its linguistic, cultural & religious diversity – the unity in diversity that laid the foundation for strong modern India?”