TURA: In the light of certain individuals questioning the meeting between church leaders from Garo Hills with Union Minister of State for Tourism, K J Alphons at the circuit house in Tura last week, the A’chik Baptist Dalgipa Krima has clarified that the meeting centered on rising cases of atrocities against minority communities.
Clearing the air on the meeting, the general secretary of the ABDK, Rev. J R Sangma, said that it was on the invitation of the minister that the delegation of church leaders met him. The ABDK is the head of the Baptist Church in the Garo Hills.
“The meeting lasted for about half an hour and the discussion mostly centered on increase in atrocities against minority communities in recent times. Churches in Garo Hills have, so far, stayed away from dabbling in politics,” said Rev J R Sangma in a statement released to The Shillong Times.
The ABDK statement also pointed out that the Baptist Church, in particular, has always advocated separation of church and politics and as such it is apolitical.
“But, whenever there is injustice, corruption and discrimination, it is the responsibility of every church leader to raise prophetic voice against such vices,” stated Rev Sangma while adding that the timing of the meeting should not be read into much as it has nothing to do with the upcoming state assembly polls.
“To be fair to the Minister of state, during the brief meeting he never sought any favour from the church leaders for his party in the coming elections. Hence, suspicions and apprehensions about the meeting are unfounded and unwarranted,” stated Rev Sangma.
He further clarified that interactions between socio-religious leaders and top government policy makers were essential for a healthy democracy.
