Rally against atrocities to Christian

SHILLONG, APR 18: “Where is the love” – a song sung by students echoed at a ‘peace rally’ held in Shillong to protest all forms of atrocities against Christian institutions even as the  urged the union government to ensure the safety and security for all.

Thousands of people from all walks of life including differently-able, students, church leaders, politicians, social workers to name a few came out in the streets to take part at the peace rally to express solidarity with victims of such atrocities.

The emotions and sentiments of the people on the issue were expressed in the form of slogans written on the placards they were displaying during the rally.

Two differently-abled girls on their wheelchair were also seen displaying placards which read– “Life without freedom is like body without a spirit” and “Free will doesn’t mean doing whatever you want. Freedom means to do what is right”.

“We strongly condemn the attack on the Christians”, “No more divide and rule policy please!”, “Religion is love”, “How can you talk of development without peace,” “We all have to freedom to choose any religion”, “God made us all equal”, “I stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in and going after your dreams”, were  some of the placards on display at the rally.

The flow of traffic came to a standstill when the rally organized by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement – Shillong Archdiocese started from State Central Library and culminated at the Cathedral Church at Laitumkhrah.

Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Dominic Jala, who is the head of the Catholic Church, biggest Church organisation in the state, expressed concerned and condemned the attack and atrocities on holy places.

Though we thank God that we are in a democratic country like India where the rights of everyone is assured, Jala , however, said, “But, we regret that there are some elements and events that are taking place of late which makes our lives insecure… the existence of our brothers and sisters are under threat,” adding “ “We also expressed our solidarity to the churches who have suffered because of atrocities of various forms.”

Stating that it is not to point fingers but to say that such things needed to be stopped, Jala made a strong appeal to the government at various level to ensure that there is no room to feel ‘insecure’ and ‘unwanted’ for people.

“We appeal to people of good will, the centre and state government to ensure safety for all people,” Jala added. According to him, Christianity stands for ‘peace’ and total justice for everyone and if there are people who are feeling threatened by them; they are requested to understand the values which Christianity seeks to propagate.

“To be a Christian is not at all a crime,” Jala said while assuring that the Christian are also committed to patriotic cause where many have dedicated in defending their country by undergoing training and serving in the defence force.

Jala reassured that as church leaders, they would do whatever they have for a future which is security without fear of discrimination.- By Our Reporter