The All Saints’ Cathedral in Shillong has expressed concern over what it says is a growing trend in disruption of worship services and religious programmes caused by members of Hindu groups across the country, including Meghalaya.
Condemning the recent incident in the Epiphany Church in Mawlynnong, where an Instagrammer shouted “Jai Shree Ram” from the pulpit, Bishop Purely Lyngdoh stated, “This incident occurred at a time when Christian churches and institutions in many parts of the country are experiencing similar disruptions to their worship and programmes caused by members of Hindu groups.”
Highlighting a related issue, the Bishop pointed out that a religious organisation from Assam had recently demanded that pujas be allowed to be performed in the Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram where there is a natural stalagmite that is in the shape of a Shivalingam.
“There appears to be a coordinated effort across the country to intensify such acts and tactics,” the bishop said, adding a call for the state government to take strict action against those involved in the desecration of the Mawlynnong church. “We are deeply saddened by the recent incident at the church in Mawlynnong and we strongly condemn such actions,” he said.
Meanwhile, terming the recent incident of an Instagrammer disrespecting the religious sentiments at the Epiphany Church in Mawlynnong as a direct attempt to incite communal tension in Meghalaya, the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has urged the state police for a speedy investigation and arrest.
The HYC stated that an example should be set by the law enforcing agencies of the state in the instant case so that such acts are not repeated shortly and no one should have the audacity to disrespect the Christian religion in Meghalaya.
The organisation also urged the state government to come up with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tourists visiting places of religious importance.
