SAFF appeals to citizens not to succumb to hearsay, says there is no religious discord in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 29, 2020

Religious organizations under the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) on Thursday appealed to all concerned not to fall trap to hearsay as the state has never witnessed any religious discord.

Speaking to reporters, SAFF president and Most Revd Dr P Lyngdoh said a special meeting was convened by the Forum with prominent citizens of Shillong to discuss the recent happenings which have brought unpleasant feelings among the people of the state.  

“We have agreed to appeal to all the people of the state, religious groups, political parties, NGOs and everyone to not succumb to hearsay or information from the social media without knowing the truth,” Dr Lyngdoh, who is from Church of North India, said.

He informed that the Hindu community and other religious communities present in the meeting have expressed that they have never experienced any religious discrimination in the state.

“Shillong has never experience religious discord and has never undergone any religious discrimination so far,” Dr Lyngdoh said.

SAFF chief further informed that the Forum has also resolved to get to the roots of this problem as he urged people especially the youths not to take things in their own hands citing that there is always a right forum and that such things can be sorted out.

This also came after three individuals had petitioned to the Governor, Satya Pal Malik alleging the state machinery and NGOs of religious prosecution against Hindu population in the state especially those residing in Ichamati and Bholaganj areas.

Asked, Dr Lyngdoh said that the Forum would also like to sit and talk to these people, who are making the allegations.

“Let them share with us what are the complaints they have and we will do our best to resolve them,” he said.

The Forum’s vice president and Central Puja Committee (CPC) president, Naba Bhattacharjee said that the just concluded Durga puja celebrations had passed of peacefully and this itself is a victory of all Meghalayans.

“This would not happen without the support from the indigenous community and infact this has been happening in the state for ages. Therefore, we should not fall into the trap of people from outside,” he stated.