AMCU calls for peace, condemns destruction of places of worship
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 06 2023:
The All Manipur Catholic Union (AMCU), apex body of the Catholic laity organizations in the Archdiocese of Imphal, has appealed to people to shun violence and work towards achieving peaceful co-existence.
In a statement issued by Dimduanlung KG James, publicity secretary, AMCU, the apex body strongly condoled the .loss of lives and properties, including places of worship, as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Expressing grief over the destruction and razing of churches and properties belonging to the Catholic Church in Manipur, it maintained that the church has always been a neutral entity, never encouraged any communal clashes or taken sides with any community and worked for peace and prosperity.
Condemning the burning of churches in the strongest terms, AMCU also listed out the burning of several churches and associated properties of the Catholic Church during the clashes.
AMCU raised the complaint that the State forces did not take any steps to stop the arson and violence while the State Government
did not express concern over the burning down of places of worship.
Asserting that the AMCU is against desecration of any place of worship, be it temples, churches or mosques, it added that AMCU stands for peaceful co-existence in Manipur.
Thus, it appealed to the State Government to restore peace and normalcy and to ensure safety and security to public and private spaces including educational institutions and worship places.