Christians rally against Orrisa attack
Denounce religious bigots
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 18: A large number of Christians took to the streets on September 17 at the capital to denounce the attack on Christians in Orrisa and parts of the country by religious fundamentalists.

The rally was organized by All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO), and began from Manipur Baptist Convention ground and proceeded towards north AOC along National Highway 39, Khoyathong, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Chingmeirong and gathered at the premises of Don Bosco where a public meeting was held.

Most Rev Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal, while condemning the Orrisa attack, called for peace and communal harmony in that State.

Christians of Manipur staging a rally on September 17 to protest the atrocities against Christians at Orissa

He expressed his happiness over the tranquility and peace between people of different religions.

The rallyist held placards reading "We condemn violence in Orrisa," "Stop killing in the name of religion," "Restore peace in Orrisa", "We condemn all acts of violence," and "Love one another".

Besides students, Church leaders and community leaders, a number of Christian MLAs including K Raina, Morung Makunga in addition to former MinistersFrancis Ngajokpa and Z Mangaibou also joined the rally.

A donation campaign in aid of the Orrisa victims was also held at the meeting venue.

Of the 23 lakh population of Manipur, around seven lakhs are Christians belonging to different denominations.

Most of the tribal communities are Christians.

Reverend Prim Vaiphei, president of AMCO, a conglomerate of all Christian denominations, said the organization has demanded a thorough probe by the CBI into the entire incident starting with the killing of Swami Lakshamananda Saraswati and his associates and to bring to justice those responsible for the crime "We also demanded to provide adequate protection to the minorities and minority institutions and undertake immediate measures to provide minimum basic needs such as food, drinking water, medical treatment, shelter to the affected persons and victims," he said.

The organization also demanded the authorities concerned to pay adequate compensation to the next of kin of the deceased and those who have lost their houses and properties and to pull up all those involved in the killing and arson beginning from August 23 .

"We appeal for communal harmony and we Christians want good relationship with all the communities with whom we live together.

We hate violence and terrorism and also we pray for peace in Orrisa and in the nation" Vaiphei said.

Father KD Joy of Imphal archbishop's headquarters too prayed for immediate halt of violence and usher peace and harmony in Orrisa.

He said the donated amount would be given to the victims through national level church organizations.