IMPHAL, Jan 24 : The Joint Action Committee (JAC) against Christian persecution at Chingmeirong Rongmei (Kabui) village in Imphal has expressed deep concern over the alleged failure of the state government to arrest the culprits involved in the act despite condemnations expressed by Christian groups and churches. In this regard, the JAC has urged the government for appropriate action against the perpetrators.
A church was allegedly dismantled by the villagers Chingmeirong Rongmei village on December 14 last which led to condemnations from various religious bodies. But the villagers refuted to the allegations of Christian organisations. The report was followed by a series of allegations and counter allegations in the later stage.
In a press statement issued today by G. Gaithailung, co-convenor of the JAC, alleged that the timing of the attack and the way it had been carried out revealed that there was a dangerous attempt by some forces to eliminate Christians at Chingmeirong and annihilate them. The JAC also alleged that certain religious extremists have engaged in a series of attacks against the Christians at Chingmeirong including pelting of stones, physical assault, destroying Church building and residential building and maintained that such acts have left the Christians of the area in fear and virtually defenceless.
Stating that the Indian Constitution declares India as a secular state, the JAC alleged that the Manipur government in this regard has failed to in its duty to protect the rights of the Christians thus affecting their lives, personal liberty, and their right to freedom of religion, its profession, practice and propagation.
Further, stating that the Christians are dismayed by the extreme indifferences of the policy and leaders of the state, the JAC condemned the alarming trend of growing violence and intolerance in the state and Chingmeirong in particular. In this connection, the JAC appealed the state government to prevent further violence and harassment of Christian minorities in Chingmeirong and that appropriate action be taken against the perpetrators.
The JAC also appealed to the civil society organisations, religious groups and political parties to initiate confidence building measures to restore natural trust, peace and reconciliation among peoples of different faith in the state. The committee also urged the government to ensure that religious minorities may equally enjoy freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and adopt any religion.
The JAC also further urged the government of the state to recognise that the minority Christians in Chingmeirong are citizens of the state and that they have every right to enjoy their constitutional and natural rights without fear or favour.
Probe demanded into teacher recruitment scam
9 years ago
