Seinraij Jowai opposes move to organize massive Christian prayer service to consecrate first state university, seek CM’s intervention

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 6, 2025

The Seinraij Jowai on Monday requested the chief minister Conrad K Sangma to intervene into the government’s move to organize this massive Christian prayer service to consecrate the first Captain Williamson Sangma State University on January 13.

In a statement, president of the Seinraij Jowai Hercules Toi said, “We adore the endeavor, when it comes to promoting education in the state especially by establishing the State Government’s first University – Captain Williamson Sangma State University. We are overjoyed with the announcement, yet we feel deceived after learning that the Government plans to organize a massive Christian Prayer Service to consecrate the University on 13th January 2025 through the statement issued by the Education Minister, Rakkam A. Sangma (“If the Parliament can be blessed with Hindu rituals why not Christian Ritual in a Christian State”).” 

“However, the Minister’s statement has shattered the very fabric of a Constitution in a country with immense diversity as well as in Meghalaya though a small state. The said statement from the responsible Minister of the Government Meghalaya is an attempt of creating communal divide of the peaceful state of Meghalaya and infringes the provision of Right to Freedom of Religion enshrined under Articles 25 & 26 of Indian Constitution. Thus, the Seinraij Jowai strongly condemns this attempt of the Government,” he said.

Toi further added, “Therefore, we earnestly look forward for the intervention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister into the matter judiciously particularly honouring our existence as the tribe embracing our own Culture, Tradition and Religion which is the pride of this land “Ka Bri U Ynñiaw Wasa U Ynñiaw Wasung – U Hynñiaw Trep Hynñiaw Skum” and for the interest of the religious harmony and mutual respect amongst the people of the state and the country.”

On the other hand, Toi emphasized that one must understand the fact and the history of the land before proclaiming Meghalaya as a “Christian State”.  

He said during pre-British period no other religion existed in Meghalaya except the Indigenous faith and till date we stand tall to protect, to preserve and to embrace our tradition, culture and belief as handed over by our ancestors amidst of facing persistence challenges and the forces in mission to eradicate of what belong to this land through difference means. 

He further stated that the Government cannot denied the facts that Meghalaya is recognized for its unique festivals observed by the Indigenous faith and to name a few,  Ka Behdienkhlam, Ka Chad Sukra, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Ka Shad Nongkrem, Ka Leh Niam Iewduh among other festivals, therefore the term “Christian State” demeans our very existence as faithful of the Indigenous Faith – Ki Khon Ka Niamtre Niam Khasi. 

Stating that the freedom of faith and worship signifies the path for religious freedom, Toi said, ” However, running of any official program of the Government or even decorating office buildings and celebrating festivals of one particular religion within the government office premises is an arrogation and a breach of right to religious freedom.”

He also mentioned that the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India in 1976, declares India as a Secular State signifying the absence of any Official Religion in the country. 

The Supreme Court’s ruling in the 1994 case – S. R. Bommai v. Union of India clearly states that “Established that India had been secular since the formation of the Republic on 26th January, 1950”. This means that the Government should not promote any particular Religion or Religious practices. 

That the Concept of Secularism relates to the fact that the State should participate in an Official Program in neutrality and not to fully immerse itself in any particular religious practices, as it violates the soul of the Constitution while referring to Article 51 – A – i.e. Fundamental Duties obliges all the citizens to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood and to value of presence the heritage of the country’s diverse culture, he added.