Senapati, Jun 27: The All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has written to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, urging her to protect the minority Christian community and rebuild churches that were vandalized during the recent Meitei-Kuki violence.
In a memorandum addressed to President Murmu, AMCO, the apex Christian body in Manipur representing all communities and denominations, highlighted the ongoing crisis. They reminded that a similar memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Manipur on May 18, 2023, seeking intervention on the same issues.
AMCO expressed gratitude for the efforts of both the central and state governments under President Murmu’s leadership to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. However, they conveyed deep concern over the continuous violence that has persisted since May 3, 2023. The organization particularly said the targeted attacks on the Meitei Christian community by radical anti-Christian mobs in the valley districts, resulting in the destruction of over 360 churches, including 249 belonging to the Meitei minority Christian community.
The memorandum stressed that displaced Meitei Christians are still being prevented from practicing their faith, which is a fundamental right in a secular nation like India. AMCO urged the government to take immediate action against the perpetrators of these crimes and to ensure the safety and freedom of Meitei Christians to practice their religion without fear of harassment.
AMCO also appealed for the reconstruction of the demolished and vandalized churches, stating that such an effort would symbolize resilience and reaffirm the commitment to diversity and harmony in Manipur. The organization believes that rebuilding these places of worship will foster healing and restore unity among the people.
In conclusion, AMCO called for swift and decisive action from the esteemed office of the President to protect the minority Christians and rebuild the churches, thereby upholding the principles of secularism and unity in the state.
