Amid the controversy caused by the scheduling of the closing day for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival on a Sunday, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) has said that while it does not oppose such event, Sunday remains a sacred day for Christians.
“The Forum is not against the festivals organised by the State government. However, it wishes to emphasise that Sunday is maintained as a sacred and holy day by Christians and churches,” the KJCLF said in a statement issued today.
“The Forum wishes that the festivals be celebrated with peace and community participation and that it is free from any disruptions or disturbances to promote peace and harmony in the State,” it added.
It may be mentioned that the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to be held from November 17 to 19 at Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong.
Since November 19 falls on a Sunday, at least two groups have demanded rescheduling of the closing day to another day.
The Saindur Tipkur Tipkha Eh-Rngiew Hynniewtrep (STIEH) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ri-Bhoi organisations have voiced strong opposition against the decision to conclude the upcoming Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival on a Sunday.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has condemned the objections raised by the two groups.
Stating that “every day is a holy day and not just Sunday”, the minister said that those who oppose concluding of the festival on a Sunday did so with political motives.
