AMCO rues destruction of religious structures
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 05 2024:
All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has appealed to all communities and tribes in Manipur to desist from resorting to destruction, desecration and hurting the sentiments of every religion.
In a release, AMCO president Simon Raomai expressed profound regret and deep concern over the recent trends of incidents of desecration of religious sanctuary, holy and sacred sites of faiths in Manipur.
The recent disturbing events of desecration of churches and retaliatory destruction of temples and religious sites are deeply concerning.
Such unwanted attacks on faith of any community in the on-going ethnic violence are highly condemnable, Simon Raomai said.
Reiterating that every religious and sacred place of worship should be highly revered and valued, he reminded that places of worship, regardless of religious affiliation or communities are sacred and deserve our utmost reverence.
"There has been deep sentimental bonding with the land and its cultural roots with the people, groups, communities or tribes.
They symbolise peace, unity and the spiritual aspirations of the people.
The desecration of these spaces is not only a violation of religious sanctity but also an assault on our shared values of coexistence and mutual respect," Simon pointed out.
He appealed to all communities in Manipur, especially the Meeteis and Kukis, to recognise the destructive nature of such actions and further exhorted everyone to refrain from such acts and to work towards fostering an environment of understanding and harmony.
He also urged government and law enforcement agencies to take appropriate and swift action to prevent such incidents and to maintain the sanctity of religious sites.
"Let us work together to heal the wounds of our community and build a Manipur that is peaceful harmonious and coexistence," appealed the president, while urging not to extinguish the flame of faith which is the only light that carries the message of love and peace in this strife torn state.
AMCO does not endorse or support any such acts of religious sacrilege in any form whatsoever, he added.