AMCO, MCCCM caution against demonising Christians
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 03 2023:
While expressing serious concern over derisive comments being posted on the society and threat to life of Christian preacher reverend Takhellambam Ramananda after a video clip went viral, All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) and Meetei Christian Churches Council Manipur (MCCCM) have warned against further accusation against the state's Christian fraternity.
Addressing a joint press meet at Manipur Press Club here on Monday, AMCO president reverend L Simon said that Christians in Manipur respect all religions and communities, and never look down upon them.
He also asked for the same attitude and treatment towards Christians.
While terming as unfortunate that the viral video clip of Ramananda has created a scene of religious hatred and threat to his life and calling for peaceful co-existence among the people of different communities and followers of varied religions, he said that Christians in the state will seek legal help if any community raises further accusation against Christians.
Reverend L Simon also cautioned that further engagement on this issue could lead to further religious hatred, which in turn could threaten the unity and integrity of the state and render the efforts of apex CSOs of the state meaningless.
He appealed to the government to intervene into the matter and advised the public to refrain from carrying out any activities which might hurt the sentiment of others.
The AMCO president, however, said nothing about the remark made by his fellow preacher Takhellambam Ramananda, which lead to the present situation.
Mention may be made here that in the viral video clip in question which was reportedly shot during an event held in Sagang village, Reverend Takhellambam Ramananda censured the use of 'Tairen' leaves and fire for purification of a person after attending a funeral, a shared indigenous practice between Meetei and Korn community, in a malicious way and spat on a bunch of leaves representing Tairen leaves, which he used in demonstrating the practice.
It resulted in a huge uproar, especially among the Meetei community.