Shillong, Mar 1: The Seng Khasi Pynter has written to the Sub-Divisional Officer of Pynursla civil sub-division clarifying on the recent controversy surrounding a BJP leader, Sunil Deodhar, whose comments on the Christian community led to outrage.
He made certain comments during the Indigenous Faith Conference held in Pynter on February 22. Formal complaints have been filed with police over his speech and the politician has since apologised.
According to the Seng Khasi, the speech delivered by Deodhar during the conference was a reflection of his personal experiences and his own journey during that time period.
“These were his individual recollections and sentiments as a teacher (‘Babu”) and mentor to our community,” the Seng Khasi Pynter stated in its letter.
The Seng Khasi Pynter stated that they wish to clarify that the organisers do not share or endorse any sentiments that may be perceived as inflammatory.
“If inviting a long time mentor and teacher to revisit shared memories is viewed as an act that hurts the sentiments of others or warrants legal action, we express our sincere regret. It was never our intent to promote communal enmity, but rather to honour a shared history of social and educational service,” the letter stated.
According to the organisation, the primary purpose of the conference was to promote and preserve the traditional beliefs, culture and practices of the indigenous Khasi-Jaintia faith in Meghalaya.
Over the years, since the arrival of British and Indian Christian missionaries in the 19th century, the Khasi-Jaintia population has largely converted to various denominations of Christianity, with the indigenous faithful now a minority.
The Seng Khasi Pynter stated that their association with Deodhar began when he was introduced to their elders by the first President of Seng Khasi Riwar Mihngi, Rijoy Singh Khongshah, who was kidnapped 25 years ago on March 1, 2001 and who is presumed dead.
“Together, they were the architects of a movement to bring quality education to the Riwar Mihngi Region. Through this partnership, schools were established in Mawkliaw, Pynter and Phlangtyngor,” the Seng Khasi Pynter pointed out.
