Imphal, 13 April (MTNews): Expressing concern over the eviction drive carried out at three churches in Imphal, the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) on Thursday stated that such harsh action hurts the sentiments of Christians.
AMCO, an apex body of the Christian community in Manipur, claimed that the demolition drive was carried out at Evangelical Baptist Convention Church (EBCC), Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church at Tribal Colony in Imphal in the wee hours of April 11 without any regard to religious sanctity.
It was also revealed that the eviction drive was carried out at 3 am on Tuesday when people were still sleeping and alleged that families living within the church premises, including pastors and caretakers, were not given sufficient time to move their belongings.
The Christian body further alleged that the three Churches were demolished on the ground that they have been constructed on the government’s land.
It further mentioned that as per the Supreme Court’s directive, the Manipur Policy for review of unauthorized construction of religious nature on public parks, public places etc. 2010 was framed and a proposal for regularization of 188 religious structures in five districts was approved by the state cabinet on October 11, 2011, and subsequently regularized the same on October 27, 2011.
The Christian body appealed to all the churches and denominations in Manipur to extend their cooperation and share the grief and sorrow of the brethren at Tribal colony, Imphal. With regard to the matter, the Christian body also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Manipur Governor.