NE Christians submit memo to President
Gin Gangte

The North East Fellowships and Churches in Delhi have recently issued a joint statement decrying the rising trend of religious intolerance. A copy of the statement was forwarded to President K.R. Narayanan and other high dignitaries, including the Chief Ministers of all the 25 states. The Forum also expressed its deep anguish over the increasing infraction of religious liberty in the country.

Expressing that they are deeply grieved to see India fast becoming the land of martyrs, the statement said: "We are at a loss to understand why those who believe in Jesus and follow him, should be made special target of spite and atrocity making use of public incitement, distortion of facts and cock-eyed interpetation of laws and rules by local officials".

Terming the increasing violence against religious minorities as ‘unhealthy growth’ for the country, the Forum hopes that such excruciating menace can be arrested before it becomes a vicious cancer if those in authority who swear to uphold the Constitution make it a point to redeem their pledge, and take swift and remedial decisions and action. Pleading to the highest authorities of the land, the N-E Christians urge "the officials of Government to exert their responsibilities to secure for us all what is right, just and peaceful, and to stop atrocities meaninglessly inflicted upon the weaker religious minority groups".

Underlining that they are not seeing any special treatment or privileges other than those guaranted by the Constitution, the N-E Christians commit themselves to pray for the nation. They also pledge to do their best to see India prosper among the competing nations of the world. "We want India to be an example for righteous and just governance, a land of peace and security for its diverse people, a country of mutual tolerance and appreciation among is myriad communities," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Christians in Meghalaya, led by Chief Minister B. B. Lyngdoh and his deputy, have threatened to move to the UN if Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee did not heed to their protests.

Speaking at a rally organised by the Catholic Association of Khasi and Jaintia Hills to protest against the recent atrocities against Christians all over the country, Mr. Lyngdoh said political freedom is of no significance without the freedom of religion and worship.

"The reign of terror unleashed by elements close to the ruling party at the Centre has been widely covered by the media and the lack of action on the part of the Union Government has made it all the more imperative for the people to protest," the Chief Minister said.