Dimapur, February 20 (MExN): Christian leaders from different parts of Assam and North East region met in Guwahati on February 14 with a commitment to stand in solidarity with one another and those who are discriminated against.
According to a press release issued by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum on Monday, the meeting took note of incidents against Christians in the country which include hate-speeches, humiliation and violence targeting individuals and groups, destruction and desecration of property and places of worship.
As per the release, over the last few years, atrocities against Christians and Churches have increased in numbers and intensity with many more cases going unreported. It maintained that recent incidents such as the “authorised census” targeting Christian individuals, families and groups in Assam, destruction of worship places, eviction and displacement of Boro families and communities who are indigenous settlers and mostly Christians, are taking place in the guise of clearing encroachments on the forests.
It claimed that tribal land and resources are being handed over to persons and groups alien to the region and termed it as “an effort towards the economic exploitation of our region.” “A fear is being expressed about the sinister threat of removing the ST status from Tribal Christians and others which will effectively take away the constitutional rights and status of the indigenous citizen of the land,” it said.
The release further stated that while government authorities have denied any intention to interfere in the citizens’ choice of their religion, faith and practice, yet churches, institutions and Christian centres are being harassed with undue enquiries and uncalled-for requirements and warnings.
In this connection, with State Elections scheduled in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya in February, the meeting called on citizens in the region to remain alert on threats to the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and safeguards ensured therein to the people. It also urged fellow Christians “never to compromise on the principles taught to us by our Faith – to stand by truth, justice and fairness.”
“One should not succumb to false promises and short-term allurements. As individual voters, one must judiciously exercise our electoral privilege in the casting of our votes. One should be guided by informed and a clear conscience and elect able leaders who are just and fair, who shun corrupt practices, and those who are trustworthy and committed to the unity and good of our community and the nation ,” it stated.
The leaders who attended this meeting represent the National Boro Christian Council (NBCC), Assam Baptist Convention (ABC), Boro Baptist Church Association (BBCA), Karbi Anglong Baptist Convention (KABC), All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO), Catholic Church, UCF Karbi Anglong, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), North Bank Baptist Christian Association (NBBCA), Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF), Christ Church Guwahati (CNI), Assam Christian Forum (ACF), CCFNEI, Boro Baptist Convention (BBC), the release stated.
