SHIILONG: While Catholic Church has called for 10 days of prayer to good leaders ahead of the February 27 Assembly polls, other religious heads have also reiterated the need for a peaceful election. Amid the mudslinging by various political parties, even taking the name of religion, the religious leaders in Meghalaya have decided to take neutral stand on the upcoming elections as they wanted a fair poll. Religious leaders across the state reiterated the need for ensuring peace and tranquility at a time when election campaigns have scaled up. The Shillong Times solicited their views on the election scenario and the present law and order situation in the state. Archbishop of the state, Dominic Jala said the Catholic Church is inviting people to spend time 10 days in prayer for a peaceful election. “It is a 10 days of prayer. It will be a prayer for good governance so that good leaders may come forth from the election,” he said.
Terming the killing of NCP Jonathone Sangma as a very tragic event, Jala said that the Church condemns any act of violence or any act that destroys the faith of people in free and fair elections process.
“The killing of candidate is the first time that we hear about in Meghalaya. I pray that other candidates will have the confidence to stand whatever they propose to the people for the good of the state without any fear,” he said.
He added that people should have the freedom to speak and project this vision for the state and for the good of the people.
The senior executive secretary of Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian (KJP) Synod Sepngi, Rev SS Majaw said, “We aspire for real statesman and policy makers to be elected. We need people who will transform the state and those who are willing to extend support to the poor and the needy.”
Calling the IED blast at Williamnagar as a bitter experience which has never happened in the state, he said, “We condemn the incident. We have to give an appeal that such things should not take place in our state and that people should embrace feelings of humanity”, Majaw said
Assistant general secretary of Shillong Muslim Union, Noor Nongrum said that any right thinking citizen should vote for development, peace and prosperity of the state.
He said that the union has not directed the Muslim faithful to vote for anyone as he observed that religion and politics should not be mixed.
Condemning the killing of Jonathone Sangma, Nongrum said, “We condemn all sort of violence, India is a democracy, If there is anything, it should be talked over the table. Such things should not have happened.”On the other hand, Naba Bhattcharjee, president of Central Puja Committee said that there is no commitment on the part of the political parties and argued there is no concern for the people.
“Are we fighting this election on issues? The fight should have been on development agenda and concern for the people. There is nothing specific for the people and to address the plight of the people in the rural areas,” he said.
He questioned on the stand of the politicians and candidates on the environment, tourism etc.
Speaking on Jonathone Sangma incident, he said, “It is highly condemnable. A young innocent life has been lost. We don’t what are the reasons, but it has something to do with politics because it has happened during the time when the candidate has gone for canvassing.”
He added that people cannot take the law in their hands and politics in the state has changed in “You versus me”.
