Shillong, January 23 : Following recent incidents in Mawkynrew, both the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) and the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) have strongly condemned claims by the Assam-based Hindu rights group, Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), that the events were caused by “religious intolerance” towards the Rama Krishna Mission by local Christians.
The KJCLF stated that the claim is “insidious” and that local residents have shown “patience and openness” towards the Rama Krishna Mission’s efforts to establish a school in the area. They emphasized that media reports and visuals show no involvement of churches or Christian institutions in initiating the disturbances, which they say are related to local concerns. The KJCLF asserts that the KSP has no basis for its accusations of religious intolerance against the Christian community in Meghalaya and views the KSP’s statements as a “provocative act to stoke the fires of fundamentalism and exclusion.” The KJCLF also pointed to the KSP’s previous threat of a “road blockade” concerning the Mawjymbuin Cave, suggesting a “militant” nature and urging authorities to take action to prevent communal and religious fanaticism. The KJCLF expressed hope for a peaceful resolution in Mawkynrew to promote education and positive intercommunity relations.
The SAFF echoed similar sentiments, stating they were “affronted” by the KSP’s claims. They rebuked the organization for attempting to escalate the Mawkynrew issue into a divisive religious conflict. The SAFF also referenced the KSP’s earlier road blockade threat. They emphasized that media reports do not identify the individuals involved in the Mawkynrew incidents by religious affiliation and condemned the KSP’s accusations against the Christian community as “very wrong.” The SAFF appealed to the people and local leaders in Mawkynrew to work with authorities for an amicable resolution and maintain peace and harmony.
