CM reaches out to Pastors, Church leaders
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 07 2023:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh met Christian leaders and Pastors and held a discussion yesterday about finding a lasting solution to the present conflict between communities which has crippled normal life in the State.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister invited suggestions from the Christian fraternity and assured the team of Christian leaders and Pastors that he will do everything in his capacity to bring normalcy in the State at the earliest, said All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) in a statement.
The CM told the Christian leaders that India is a secular country and every citizen has the right to practice his/her religion.
Nobody should disregard the belief of an individual/community by burning/destroying Temples, Mosques, Churches.
AMCO too appealed to the CM and to all responsible and right-thinking citizens to respect the religion and belief of any individual/community and uphold the age-old harmonious coexistence of all communities in the State.
N Biren Singh also gave his assurance to the Meitei/Meetei Christian community that his Government will not tolerate any unlawful activities like arson, destruction of Church buildings and properties and threatening of Meitei/Meetei Christian community by any group, organization or any individual.
He warned that no group or organisation should harass any community and stated that he will look into the issue of burning down and destruction of Church buildings in various places in the State.
N Biren also appealed to the Meitei/Meetei Christian community to well document in video and photo and record the particulars of the individuals/groups burning down Churches, destroying properties and threatening their lives.
While taking serious note of the Meitei/Meetei Christians allegedly being forced to forsake the Christian faith and not to build up the Church buildings again, AMCO appealed to the Government to look into the matter.
Expressing disappointment that innocent Meitei/Meetei Christians are being allegedly targeted by burning down their Churches and harassing them, AMCO stated that if such unlawful and unwanted activities continue, it would lead to the weakening of emotional bonds among the people in the State.
AMCO fervently appealed to fellow brethren of Manipur to shun the path of hatred, violence and destruction but to pursue peace, love, forgiveness and unity.
It also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incidents and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
During the meeting, AMCO also appealed to the Government to arrange settlements for those who have been displaced by the conflict.
Meanwhile, AMCO has urged every section of the society to give free passage to those who need medical treatment.
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