AMCO carries on sensitization campaign
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 18 2011:
As a part of its campaign to sanitise Church leaders in particular and the Christians in general from election-related malaise and ensure free and fair election within the Christian community, All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) is all set to counsel candidates so as to lead them towards the path of righteousness.
AMCO, an umbrella body of Christian organizations in the State, had been campaigning in the hills advocating pastors and church leaders to remain neutral during elections, the 10th such democratic exercise in the State likely to be held early next year.
"After going through manifestos of the political parties from which the Christian candidates will contest, we will make them share their ideas on the same and swear in the name of the almighty that they will discharge their duties for the welfare of the society if they are elected," AMCO president Rev S Prim Vaiphei said.
"We will also make the candidates reveal their explicit reason as to why they want to contest the polls, and good works they would do for the people," he said adding that this task will be carried out after completing the current advocacy campaign for pastors and church leaders.
AMCO organized its 5th pastors' advocacy meeting at Chakpikarong area in Chandel district bordering Myanmar on August 17 .
While appealing to the underground groups to avoid meddling in election, the meeting prevailed upon pastors and preachers to create awareness during congregations on the rule of election, work, ethics, integrity
and dignity.
Besides poll issues, AMCO is also campaigning against poppy and ganja cultivation by the Christians in the interior hill areas and the indulgence of certain pastors in child trafficking cases.
AMCO has already warned of taking action against any Church leader if he/she is found indulging in election malpractices, Vaiphei reiterated.
It may be mentioned that of the total 60 legislators in the state assembly, 20 are from the five hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur.