The Shillong All Faith Forum (SAFF) on October 29 maintained that there is no religious discrimination in Meghalaya, even as it urged citizens not to fall into the trap, to create division between communities, set by people from outside the state.
The inter-faith leaders’ statement followed after three non-tribals youth submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya governor Satya Pal Malik accusing tribals of discrimination against the non-tribals on religious lines.
“Those trying to divide the people of Meghalaya should come to the state and should not make statements from outside,” Naba Bhattacharjee of the Central Puja Committee (CPC) and
vice-president of the forum, told reporters.
Reverend Bishop P Lyngdoh, Church of North India (CNI) and SAFF president said that the meeting held at the Archbishop’s House, Laitumkhrah discussed the recent happenings in Shillong city.
“These happenings have brought unpleasant feelings among all in the state,” he said, while appealing to all the people of the state not to succumb to hearsay that is seen in the social media without knowing the truth.
Lyngdoh said that the meeting of the SAFF leaders held on October 29 has decided to try and go to the root of the issue.
Bhattacharjee said that the Hindu community never experienced religious discrimination in the state. He pointed out to the recent peaceful Durga Puja celebration in the state. “This is the victory of Meghalayans and Shillongites,” he said.
