Concern raised over Garo Hills sinking into lawlessness
TURA: A mega peace movement initiated by Shalom Meghalaya that calls for an end to violence in Garo Hills which has been sinking into lawlessness with one incident after another blotting the once serene region was launched on Sunday afternoon in Tura.
Shalom Meghalaya with its motto ‘Peace is the way for a better world’ was launched at Tura MP Stadium on Sunday afternoon by Rt. Rev John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati and President of Social Concern – North East Bishops Council.
The movement for peace comes in the face of continuous attacks by militants and criminal gangs on the peace loving people of Garo Hills which have witnessed a spurt in incidents ranging from abductions of children and bank officials to shooting of unarmed civilians.
Raising the banner for peace and putting across the message of ‘Stop Violence, Resist Injustice’ the Archbishop said that violence is senseless and does no good to anyone. He added that resisting violence through violence is not the solution.
“Violence only retards the growth of society and has multiple negative effects. Resistance to injustice and change can be brought about only through education of the youth and treating them with equality and respect,” said Archbishop Moolachira.
Echoing similar concern over rising crimes in Garo Hills, general secretary of the A·chik Baptist Dalgipa Krima (ABDK), Rev. Janang Sangma, said there can be no justification in the means adopted by militants and expressed worry that Garo Hills was sinking into lawlessness.
“Change of heart can only bring about effective changes and the situation in Garo Hills needs collective action and it is time for introspection for everyone concerned,” said the Reverend.
The Bishop of Tura and Convenor of Shalom Meghalaya, Rt. Rev. Andrew R Marak, in his message made a clarion call to those who took up arms to return to the mainstream and be a part of the peace initiative.
The participation at the rally which saw over 12,000 people come together also had leaders from different communities take part. Leaders from the Hindu and Muslim faith also took part in the launch of the peace movement.
Invocations to the divine power for peace were made through songs, scripture readings and prayers. A motor rally that would tour the entire Garo Hills spreading the message of peace and goodwill was also flagged off at the end of the inauguration function.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Rev. R.D. Shira, President, ABDK, and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, among others.
As a prelude to the peace movement, Shalom Meghalaya, an inter-faith candle-lit vigil service was held on August 16 at the District Auditorium, Tura, in which religious leaders of major faiths solemnly participated seeking divine intervention for peace and normalcy in Garo Hills.
During the prayer service, Holy Scriptures from the Bible, peace mantras from the Rig Veda and sacred verses from the Quran were read by the religious heads. Invocations were also made for peace and harmony.