Catholic body condemns attack on 75-year-old church in Assam

SHILLONG, Jan 20: The Catholic Association of Shillong Archdiocese has expressed grief and strongly condemned the alleged arson attack on a 75-year-old Catholic Church in Ambagaon in Udalguri district of Assam on the night of January 15.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Association described the incident as a serious affront to the values of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
“This appalling incident strikes at the heart of shared values of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence,” the statement read.
“A church is far more than a structure—it is a sacred space for prayer, solace, and community. The desecration of this holy site is not only a grave injustice to the Catholic community but also a blow to the principles of unity and respect that bind our diverse society together.”
The Association has called on the Assam authorities to act swiftly and decisively, urging a thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“It is imperative that measures are taken to safeguard all religious institutions and uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion,” the statement emphasized.