MBC damaged, many decry
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Senapati, December 17 2016: A misunderstanding between bandh supporters and members of Manipur Baptist Convention, Centre Church led to portions of the Church being damaged in an attack today.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has ridiculed the State Government for not arresting the bandh supporters who attacked Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) Centre Church and a Tangkhul Church in Imphal.

The UNC said that the UNC leaders were arrested for carrying out a democratic movement "but the Manipur Government could tolerate mob attacking Churches right under its nose" .

According to the UNC, the mob attacked the Churches using communal language but the Manipur Government did nothing to contain the violence.

"Because of such attitude of the Manipur Government the Nagas call it communal Government of Manipur," the UNC added.

MBC damaged, many decry

The Naga body then wondered as to how there could be serial bomb attacks in a high security zone like Fairyland, Imphal.

The UNC stated that three residents from Ukhrul district were attacked on Friday evening in Imphal.

The residents are originally from Somdal village.

"There is no doubt that the Manipur Government allowed the miscreants to attack the residents," it alleged.

The UNC then accused the Manpur Government of collaborating with the mob which attacked the Churches and the Somdal villagers.

The Naga body also questioned the role of the Central Government accusing the latter of remaining mute.

The All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has also stated that it was very unfortunate that MBC Centre Church was attacked by some bandh supporters contradicting the assurance given through the newspapers that religious activities, medical, and media will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.

In a statement, president of AMCO, Rev Prim Vaiphei said, 'Let it be known that the MBC Centre Church is not a tribal or Naga Church but is a worship place for everyone irrespective of whichever community he or she belongs to, be it Kukis, Nagas, Meiteis, Mayangs or others.' AMCO appealed to all to respect the worship place of any religious faith and prayed that the attack on MBC Centre Church today may be the last of its kind.

The Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang (TNZL) has also strongly condemned against the atack on the MBC Central Church and Tangkhul Baptist Church today, reports our Ukhrul correspondent.