Shillong, April 13: BJP State Vice President and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak has strongly condemned the alleged desecration of a statue of Lord Jesus Christ at Chibinang Main Market, describing the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing.
During a recent visit to Chibinang and nearby villages affected by recent unrest, Marak said he was informed by local residents about the incident, which he claimed had neither been reported in the media nor brought to public attention. According to him, residents expressed concern that the matter had been suppressed despite its serious impact on the Christian community.
Citing accounts from villagers, Marak alleged that a mob, reportedly comprising largely illegal migrants, was instigated and provoked by former MLA and MDC Esmatur Mominin. He further alleged that the mob was involved in acts of violence, including burning of shops and residential houses, and deliberately targeted religious symbols, including the destruction of the statue.
He stated that the remains of the damaged statue at Chibinang Bazaar stand as a painful reminder of what appears to be a targeted attack on the Christian community. He added that such acts not only violate the law but also threaten communal harmony and religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
Marak also expressed concern that no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed so far in connection with the incident and called for immediate legal action.
