Shillong: Violence against Christians condemned by Khasi Jaintia forum

Shillong: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF), Shillong on Tuesday condemned the horrific acts of violence against Christians as well as the outrageous vandalism of churches and sacred objects.

A statement issued by KJCLF Secretary Rev EH Kharkongor said that even after the start of 2023, the hateful acts continued.
Kharkongor was referring to an incident in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district in which several people, including the SP in charge of the area, were injured.

The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs recently visited the area for meetings with Christian and other minority leaders where he said the ruling party at the Center wanted to remove the ‘fear factor’. Minds of minority communities – Christians being one of them. However, events in Chhattisgarh show otherwise, KJCLF noted.

“We hoped that people in the seat of power and authority would strongly disapprove of the negative actions taken by certain organizations against Christians and those who exercise their individual choice of faith and religion. In parts, the Prime Minister’s silence on atrocities against Christians has been remarkable, or is it some kind of license that mob elements take as an incentive to wreak havoc and attack against other citizens simply because they Christians or members of other minority communities?” said Rev EH Kharkongor.
KJCLF also stands in solidarity with Christians and others in the country who are facing aggression and injustice and prays that peace and brotherhood prevail.

The forum calls on the authorities, both at the states and the centre, to protect the lives and property of Christians and other minority groups across the country and to deter perpetrators of violence and hatred in a robust and fair manner.