SHILLONG: Meghalaya deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday said the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of Christians and reiterated that under the leadership of chief minister Conrad Sangma, the government has always stood by the people whenever such issues arise.
Meanwhile, Sangma called on Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday to address the State’s concerns regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and its amendments, considering the large number of Christian institutions involved in public service in the State.
Sangma, along with a delegation of Meghalaya-based Christian leaders, focused on Section 16A(5) of the amendment, which empowers the designated authority to take over or dispose of assets, including buildings, schools, hospitals, and land, that were created with foreign contributions in cases where an organisation’s registration is cancelled or not renewed.
The delegation drew attention to how this can adversely affect the functioning of diverse administrations in Meghalaya, where such institutions run a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals, and community service programmes serving people across the State, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The chief minister urged the Union government to consider the unique circumstances of Meghalaya and sought consideration in ensuring that genuine institutions engaged in public service continue their work without disruption.
ALSO READ: Moving People, Not Cars as Citizens Reimagine an Inclusive Shillong
Speaking to the press, Dhar stated, “We as the government always want to protect Christianity in the State of Meghalaya and in the country as a whole. We have also observed that throughout the country, any issues faced by Christians are brought to our chief minister.”
Dhar reaffirmed that, “Under the leadership of Conrad Sangma, we are always there to protect our people, especially when we face such issues or charges against the Christians of the State.”
“We are here to protect, to listen to the voice and requests of the people, and our chief minister has done it,” he added.
