IMPHAL, June 1: Peace Rally Committee, a committee formed by Meitei Christian Leaders will be organizing a peace rally on June 6 to denounce the burning down of church buildings, obstructions to construction works of churches, pastors`™ houses and threatening to Meitei Christians and stoning during worship in the churches and houses.
Announcing this during a press meet at Manipur Press Club here today, Chairman of Peace Rally Committee Rev. Dr L Iboyaima Singh informed that the rally will start from Presbyterian House, War Cemetery Road opposite DM College and will end with a prayer at Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.
He said that the rally will not be a protest against any communities but it will be like a prayer walk where positive and constructive slogans like `We trust the God`™, `We stand for Peace and Unity`™, `We are Peace Loving People`™, `Church is a place of Worship`™, `Please Stop Burning the Churches`™, `Please Allow Church Construction`™, `Please lift up banning of church construction works`™, `God founded church, let us honour God`™, `Save the church to see life and future`™, `Church has the solution`™, `Manipur shall be saved`™, `Please stop mob injustice against churches`™ etc will be chanted.
The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to choose any religion. Many Meiteis chose to follow Christian religion due to believe in Lord Jesus. It should not be seen as taking advantage or breaking Meitei customary law. Meitei Christians should not be looked down by other communities, the chairman of the committee said.
He continued that Meitei Christians have been performing various activities towards peace in the state and preaching students to follow right path of life.
General secretary Rev. K Premjit Singh who was present during the meet lamented that Meitei Christian community has been facing various problem in the state, which is very unfortunate.
He claimed that Imphal West Meitei Christian Church at Patsoi Lamkhai situated around 200 meter from Patsoi Commando Unit was burnt down by some unknown persons on May 13 last at around 10.30 pm. Also the construction work of VCI Church at Kongpal Naoroibam Leikai was banned by locals.
Even pastor of the church was threatened through phone call to stop the construction work, he said.
Stating that Meitei Christians are peace loving people who pray for peace and harmony in the state, he said that around 50 organizations and 400 churches have assured that they will extend help in organizing the rally.
He also appealed to the people to give support and cooperation to the peace rally.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/peace-rally-to-denounce-atrocities-against-meitei-christian-community/