NE Christian forum voices concern over CAB, Article 371 fate

GUWAHATI: The United Christian Forum North East India (UCFNEI), which represents all the Christian Churches of the region, voiced concern over the prevailing uncertainty in regard to adherence to Constitutional provisions in the wake of the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
Representatives of the forum met at the headquarters of the Northeast India Christian Council in Shillong on Wednesday to discuss the latest trends in the country which are likely to affect their common future.
During the discussion at a seminar titled “Christian Identity and Its Challenges Today”, many anxieties perceived in different parts of the region came forth including the proposed CAB in Parliament and the Education Bill, a statement issued by the forum said.
“There is definitely a great apprehension in various circles in the region, including academic ones, as to whether Article 371 will be respected. If Constitutional provisions are not respected, will assurances from a central minister mean anything, people ask,” it said.
Bishop Thomas Pulloppilil of Bongaigaon and present chairman of UCFNEI welcomed the participants who had come from seven states of the North East with great eagerness to learn of the latest developments in the country and make their own evaluation of the situation.
Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, the Archbishop emeritus of Guwahati, initiating the discussion, urged one and all to keep all doors open for dialogue. He pointed out that in a democracy, all citizens fully cooperate with the elected government and readily offer suggestions for the betterment of society.
The forum’s spokesperson, Allen Brooks, argued that the Christian principle demanded working towards a just society. “Anything that appears like discrimination or exploitation is to be carefully avoided,” he said.