The Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) has expressed concern with the news that was circulated about the situation in Bihar where a Christian pastor and a church elder from Shillong had encountered some incidents of hostility and aggression which could have put them in grave danger.
“We initiated prayers and intercessions for their welfare and safety and are thankful that no harm has befallen on them as we also received information that they are returning back home.
The KJCLF denounces the perpetration of violence against the Christian mission workers, and expresses its appreciation to those responsible in the administration of both the states for the efficient communication between them and sorting the situation out in proper manner,” KJCLF secretary Rev. Edwin H. Kharkongor said in a statement today.
While calling for prayers and support from believers, the KJCLF also appealed to social media users to restrain from spreading news which have the propensity to provoke unwanted reactions.
“Moreover, in supporting the work and services of churches and Christian mission organisations, the Forum also calls on all concerned to be aware of local prevailing situations while fulfilling their mission work in other parts of the country. When two days ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a Christian place of worship on Easter Sunday, the Forum appealed to those in authority in the country to see that peace and harmony prevails in society,” Rev. Kharkongor added.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress has condemned the atrocious and irresponsible behaviour of the Bajrang Dal in Bihar who accosted and harassed the two church leaders of the Presbyterian Church from Shillong while on a tour to Bihar.
“The mindset of such elements reminds us that these goons continue to harass minorities in the name of religious conversion while the actual fact is their modus operandi is to subdue Christians and other minorities with false and baseless charges,” State Mahila Congress president Joplin Shylla said in a statement while also calling upon the Meghalaya government led by the NPP “which is an ally of the BJP” to sort out the issue and bring the culprits to book as per relevant sections of the law.
