Meghalaya church leaders, politicians criticise vandalism

Shillong: Incidents of vandalism during Christmas across the country have drawn sharp condemnation from church leaders, political parties, and the public in Christian-majority Meghalaya.Fr Richard Majaw, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Shillong, called the attacks “an assault on faith itself” and urged both state and central govts to act swiftly.Rev Edwin H Kharkongor, secretary of the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum, expressed anguish over “continuing violence” against Christians in Assam, while welcoming chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s assurance of strict legal action.Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party described the incidents as “deeply disturbing” and stressed that India’s unity rests on its diversity. He urged the Centre to safeguard the dignity and constitutional rights of all citizens.State BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang deplored the violence but cautioned against politicising “isolated criminal acts”. He highlighted Christmas as an inclusive festival celebrated nationwide and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders regularly attend Christmas services. “BJP Meghalaya stands with every Indian in demanding that the culprits be arrested and punished under the strictest provisions of law,” he said.Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress president Joplyn Scott Shylla termed the incidents “deeply disturbing” and contrary to secular and democratic values. She called for stringent action against those responsible and appealed to citizens to uphold communal harmony, stressing that intolerance has no place in society.