Seminar on Christian minorities' challenges
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, May 17 2014 :
All India Christian Council (AICC) organised a one-day seminar on the challenges faced by the Christian minorities in the State and vulnerability of human trafficking in the context of Indo-Myanmar highway at Pallel today.
Over 200 key leaders from the Churches and different communities living along the Indo-Myanmar highway attended the seminar.
Rev (Retd) Paothang Haokip, Dy Moderator, Good Shepherd Community Churches, Hyderabad Diocese; Rev Madhu Chandra, Regional Secretary, AICC Manipur Branch and Hechin Haokip, Secretary, Centre for Women and Girls spoke as the resource persons.
Highlighting the grievances faced by the Christian minorities among some communities, Bishop Paothang Haokip said that like in some Indian States, Christian minorities in the State have faced severe persecution in different villages in recent years.
The response from the State Govt to curb the menace is a matter of concern.
Bishop Paothang also mentioned that Pallel is an important place in the trade relationship between India and Asian countries.
As such, the Govt of Manipur and India should take keen interest in the locality to ensure fair trade and safety to the vulnerable communities to the challenges of human trafficking in the area.
Hechin Haokip observed that crimes against women have increased in the State in the last few years.
The Govt of Manipur should adopt strong law, policy and plan of action to curb the crimes.
And the law passed by the Central Govt on safety of women should be implemented immediately.
Rev Madhu Chandra dwelt at length on the importance of seeking help from Ministries concerned or Constitutional bodies like Human Rights Commissions and Minorities Commissions in seeking justice to various crimes, said the statement.