Concern over attacks on churches, Christians in certain parts of the country
on Saturday. (ST)
SHILLONG: Thousands of Catholics marched through the city streets on Saturday during a ‘peace rally’ organised to express solidarity with Christians who were being “targeted” in certain parts of the country.
People from all walks of life including students, church leaders, politicians, social workers and even the differently-abled took part in the rally braving the rain to voice their concern over the recent attacks on churches in parts of India.
The peace march was organised by the the Indian Catholic Youth Movement and the Shillong Arch Diocese.
The Catholic faithful held placards as they marched from State Central Library premises and gathered at Cavalry, Laitumkhrah where Arch Bishop Dominic Jala and others addressed the gathering.
Expressing concern over the recent attacks on churches and those associated with them, the Arch Bishop called upon the Centre and respective state governments to ensure respect for democratic rights and freedom of religion.
Jala regretted that some elements and events have made the lives of a section of the people in this country insecure.
“We pray that the youths of India ensure that the democratic rights of all are respected and there is freedom of religion and respect for fellow human beings,” Jala said adding that the idea is to “condemn the sin and not the sinner”.
He also urged those who govern the country to rule the nation wisely irrespective of party affiliations so that the principles enshrined in the (secular) Constitution of India are upheld.
“We also want the Centre to ensure that people live in this country without being threatened or being looked upon as aliens,” the Arch Bishop added.
Spokesperson of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), S Dohling called upon other religious groups and denominations to support the ‘peace rally’.
“India is a secular country where all people enjoy the fundamental rights of peace, equality and freedom to practice any religion,” he reiterated adding that this idea of a secular nation should be upheld at any cost.
Other Catholic leaders also spoke on the occasion even as hymns were sung by all the faithful present.