Source: The Sangai Express / Azonnah Zaspar
Tamenglong, October 01:
Christians in thousands today rallied in support to the Christians in Orissa and Karnataka who were purportedly persecuted and to claim their rights to choose religion as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
The rally organised by the Town Churches' Union Tamenglong took off from Mini Stadium and proceeded up to the office of the Deputy Commissioner where the rallyists numbering around 10 thousand submitted a memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister through the DC.
The memorandum was jointly signed by the representatives of Town Churches' Union, Zeliangrong Baptist Churches' Council (M) , Rongmei Naga Baptist Association (M), Catholic Union, Zeliangrong Women Union, Tamenglong district, Town Churches Youth Organisation, Town Churches Youth Organisation, ZSU Tamenglong and Zeliangrong Youth Front Tamenglong.
The memo while expressing deep shock over the purported persecutions and targeting of Christians, destroying Churches and Christians institutions by the VHP and fundamentalists in Orissa and Karnataka condemned the barbaric acts.
The memo quoting a report of All India Christian Council said that the riot claimed many lives of innocent Christians, burned 95 churches and destroyed 700 Christians homes.
The memorandum also quoting a report of the Baptist World Alliance stated that four convents, five hostels and seven institutions were also demolished.
The rallyists from all walks of life including non-Manipuris, school children, church leaders and general public after having assured of positive cooperation by SDC (headquarters), Tamenglong who was the lone responsible officer present in the office then prayed for the victims of the riots and also for peace on earth before winding up the rally.