'Don't desecrate Churches, Temples, sacred sites'Respect all religion equally : AMCO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 05 2024:
Referring to recent trends of desecrating religious sanctuaries, holy and sacred sites in Manipur, the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) has appealed to all communities and tribes of the State to desist from destruction, desecration and hurting the sentiments of every religious group in the future.
Expressing regret and deep concern over the recent disturbing events of reported desecration of Churches and destruction of Temples and religious sites, AMCO has strongly condemned such unwanted attacks on faith of any community, said a statement issued by Rev Simon Raomai, president, AMCO.
The apex Christian organisation of Manipur maintained that every religious and sacred place of worship should be highly revered and valued.
Places of worship, regardless of religious affiliation or communities are sacred and deserve one's utmost reverence, it added.
"There has been deep sentimental bonding with the land and its cultural roots with the people, groups, communities or tribes.
They symbolize peace, unity, and the spiritual aspirations of our 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," AMCO asserted.
As such, AMCO has appealed to all communities in Manipur, especially to the Meiteis and Kukis, to recognize the destructive nature of such actions and further urged everyone to refrain from such acts and to work towards fostering an environment of understanding and harmony.
Similarly, the apex Christian body of Manipur called upon the leaders and stakeholders to join hands in condemning these acts unequivocally.
In addition, AMCO also urged the Government and law enforcement agencies to take appropriate and swift action to prevent such incidents and to maintain the sanctity of religious sites.
Stating that AMCO does not endorse or support any acts of religious sacrilege in any form whatsoever, it added that the organisation strives to maintain religious tolerance in such a conflict ridden situation and extend fervent prayers to God for peace and normalcy to return in Manipur at the earliest time possible.