All Manipur Christian Org calls to prevent animosity against religion; clarifies Rev. Ramananda’s controversial remark

Imphal: The All Manipur Christian Organization, (AMCO) calls for public co-operation in preventing animosity over religious beliefs. The Organization also says it will not remain silent but approach the relevant authorities for justice, if Christians in the state were mistreated over the recent controversial viral video clip of Rev. Takhellambam Ramananda.

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AMCO held a press conference today at Manipur Press Club in Imphal, in the wake of public outrage in the past few days, especially by people of the Meitei community after a video clip of Rev. Ramananda’s speech, during a gospel outreach programme went viral on social media. The reverend who had allegedly hurt the sentiments of the Meitei community rendered his apology in a video released yesterday.

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Speaking to the media, president of AMCO, Rev. L. Simon Raomai said the All Manipur Christian Organization feels saddened over life threats given to Rev. Ramananda over the short video clip which contained his incomplete message. “The prevailing atmosphere of hatred among followers of different religions in the state just because of the misleading short video clip is really disappointing and such hatred may threaten the unity and harmony of Manipur, which Civil Society Organizations in the state have been striving for a long time ”, he maintained.

Stating that Christianity doesn’t discriminate against people and everyone is free to follow any religion of their choice, Rev. Simon said people of different faiths should have mutual respect for one another in order to maintain peace, harmony and unity in the state. He also urged the government to take necessary actions to maintain harmony and appealed to the public to refrain from making hurtful religious comments.

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Meanwhile, Organizing Committee member of Sagang Baptist Church, Evangelist Akhup Kom clarified that Rev. Ramananda’s remarks during a gospel outreach programme organised by Sagang Baptist Church on March 26 in Churachandpur were regarding a tradition of the Kom community. He said the speech was targeted only at Kom Christians and not at any other communities or religions.

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