Groups for reopening of churches in state

JOWAI, July 13: Two pressure groups in Jaintia Hills — All Hynñiewtrep People United Front and Khasi Jaiñtia National Union — have appealed that all churches in the state should be reopened.
A joint letter by both the NGOs was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills on Tuesday, seeking reopening of all churches in all villages of the district, while calling for endorsement of the message to the state so that other churches across state may also open.
“These churches are located in all villages and only those believers in their respective villages should be allowed for gathering for any services,” the letter said, adding that these churches should be opened subject to adherence to all SOPs by the church-goers.
Stating that all market places in the district have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent strength, the groups maintained that the churches should be allowed to do the same.