By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Catholic Bishops of North East India expressed sorrow and concern at the recent violence that affected the lives of lakhs of people in Assam. “The loss of over 79 lives and the destruction of homes and crops of the four lakh people who had to take shelter in relief camps have certainly marred the history of our people. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the North East Regional Bishop’s Council said in a statement on Sunday.
The Council also condemned the act of violence and all kinds of attempts to foment hatred, especially by using ethnic or religious identities and urged the concerned authorities to ensure that justice and peace “reigns again and the rights to land of indigenous people is protected everywhere.”
The Council further called it unfortunate that means of social communication have been used to spread fear and panic among people from this region who are working or studying in other parts of our country. “While we exhort the respective governments to ensure the safety of everyone, we also call upon everyone, especially those from this region, to critically examine attempts to disrupt the congenial atmosphere in which they live away from their home place and to do whatever lies in their part to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence among all,” the statement added.
The Council also joined the universal Catholic Church in wishing the ‘Muslim brothers and sisters’ a peace-filled celebration of ld-Ul-Fitr.