Kohima, February 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has written to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing ‘deep concern’ over an alleged hate speech delivered by one Aadesh Soni at a recent “Religious Parliament” event. The speech reportedly targeted the residents of Bishrampur, Ganeshpur, and Jhanakpur villages in Chhattisgarh, creating fear and insecurity among religious minorities.
In its appeal, the NBCC urged the Chief Minister to take swift and decisive action to prevent potential violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
It particularly condemned the remarks concerning women and children, describing it as deeply disturbing and a threat to communal harmony.
The NBCC stated that, while it had no direct connection to the affected villages, it was compelled to speak out in solidarity with those facing intimidation.
“Our hearts are pained, and we are in grief after hearing in detail how meticulously the hate speech was constructed,” the letter read.
Highlighting India’s secular fabric and democratic values, the NBCC emphasised the need to uphold religious freedom and protect minority communities and expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of suppression and violence against religious minorities, particularly Christians.
The letter further pointed out that Soni had allegedly linked the Chief Minister and state authorities as collaborators in his speech and urged Sai to distance himself from such claims and reaffirm his role as a leader for all communities in Chhattisgarh.
Accordingly, it appealed the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions ahead of the planned Morcha on March 1, 2025, and ensure security for all.
