By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 27: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) has condemned the video circulating on social media platforms posted by one Akash Sagar showed him “braying and howling” in front of his two cronies in the backdrop of the lectern in the quiet and serene church at Mawlynnong.
The senseless act of this perverse person invoking the name ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in a holy place of Christian worship has once more enraged the local communities and Christians at large in the region, KJCLF said in a statement on Friday.
“At a glance this could be seen as a mindless trespassing and encroachment into a place of sanctity by a degraded individual prankster with a twisted and warped ego in an effort of vain self projection!
However, the location and timing of this incident and broadcast seem to suggest the advancement of an effort to create disharmony, discord and division among ethnic and religious communities by disrespect, insult, and hate solely with the intention to promote the majoritarian agenda.
“We can recall the recent and ongoing incidents like the effort to intrude into the Mawjymbuin cave at Mawsynram, the Cow Protection Yatra, the offensive remarks on the cultural icon of the Dima Hasao in Haflong, the pre-Christmas threat and intimidation of the road blockade between Assam and Meghalaya, the rude and violent disruption of a school’s Christmas celebration in Palakkad, Kerala, the blatant disturbance of Christmas celebration in the vicinity of St Joseph’s Cathedral in Lucknow, the wilful non-resolution of the Manipur imbroglio and many others,” it pointed out.
KJCLF said it was ironic that Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at a recent Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in Delhi stated that ‘it pains his heart when there are attempts to spread violence in society’.
“He had highlighted that ‘the teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony, brotherhood; and it is important that we all work to make this spirit stronger’. Yet he failed to address and control issues of hatred and divisions shrouded in the garb of religious and ethnic polarisations as seen in Manipur and other places in the country,” it said.
In response to these and the incident at the Mawlynnong church, the KJCLF called upon the state government, the Tourism industry, community and religious leaders to be more prudently stringent with the activities related to tourism and community relationships. It also urged the tourists to be respectful and sensitive in their explorations and interactions.
CPC condemns act
The Central Puja Committee (CPC) expressed anguish and condemned the viral video involving Akash Sagar deliberately outraging and violating the religious sanctity of the church.
Condemning the incident, CPC president Naba Bhattacharjee urged the district administration to investigate the matter and initiate immediate action as per law and take stringent exemplary action against the offender.
“Meghalaya is known all over the country for upholding religious harmony among all faiths residing in the state, which at no cost should be allowed to be affected by such irresponsible act of an individual to disrupt the unique age-old brotherhood among people of different religion and faith,” he added.
We will take action if govt doesn’t: HYNF
The HNYF slammed Akash Sagar for hurting the religious sentiments of people of Meghalaya.
“It was a communal act and an insult to our people and our state and also an act that could bring about religious division in the country,” HNYF said, making it clear that if the government does not take action, they would take matters into their own hands.
“Nothing was done to Vicky Dey by the law. We also urge the Mawlynnong church leaders and the village to take action against him and to temporarily close down the tourist spot and disallow tourists from entering freely without any security personnel from the village to monitor them,” HNYF said.
Tura activist demands strong action
Social activist from Tura, Cherian Momin also condemned the incident and demanded strong action against the perpetrator.
“The recent disturbing incident involving social media influencer Akash Sagar, who trespassed into the Church of Epiphany in Mawlynnong and brazenly chanted slogans unrelated to Christianity, is a blatant violation of the sanctity of religious places and an affront to the values of communal harmony that our country has long stood for. This deplorable act is a reflection of the dangerous rise in communal intolerance, and it serves as a stark reminder of the growing need to stand up against such provocations in our society,” Momin said.
“The act of chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ inside a Christian place of worship not only disrespects the sanctity of the Epiphany Church but also undermines the pluralistic fabric that has historically defined our nation. India has always been proud of its multi-ethnic, multi-religious tapestry, a nation where diverse communities have co-existed in peace for centuries. However, in recent years, we have seen a disturbing shift, especially in the last decade, as divisive and communal ideologies have gained ground, undermining the spirit of unity that has been integral to our national identity,” he added.
Pointing out that the rise of such incidents across the country is a direct assault on the values enshrined in the Constitution, Momin claimed that Muslims, Christians, Dalits, tribals, and other minorities have been routinely targeted by individuals emboldened by a regime, which according to him, seems intent on eroding the secular and pluralistic foundations of India’s democracy.