Shillong, October 19: The Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) has expressed deep concern over incidents involving unidentified miscreants during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations in Meghalaya and appealed to the people to maintain peace, unity and communal harmony.
In a press statement issued on Monday, SAFF President Most Rev. Dr. Purely Lyngdoh strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as deliberate attempts to disturb the peaceful atmosphere and communal harmony of the state.
The Forum stated that Meghalaya has always been known for its peaceful coexistence among different religious communities, where people respect one another’s beliefs and celebrate festivals in a spirit of mutual understanding and brotherhood. “Meghalaya has always been an abode of peace where all faiths and communities co-exist and celebrate each other’s festivals with mutual respect and brotherhood. Such acts by miscreants are a deliberate attempt to disturb the communal harmony and peaceful atmosphere of our state,” the statement said.
SAFF appealed to citizens, irrespective of caste, creed or religion, to remain united and refrain from any actions that could create tension among communities.
The Forum also urged the State Government and district administration to take immediate and stringent action against those responsible for the incidents and ensure adequate security arrangements for the peaceful conduct of Durga Puja celebrations. “We appeal to the State Government and District Administration to take immediate and strict action against the perpetrators and to ensure adequate security for the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja,” the Forum stated.
Expressing concern over the possibility of misinformation creating unnecessary tension, SAFF urged the public not to believe or spread rumours and to extend full cooperation to the authorities in maintaining law and order.
The Forum emphasised that preserving Meghalaya’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence was a collective responsibility of all communities. “Let us all together protect the secular fabric and spirit of Meghalaya,” SAFF appealed, reiterating its call for peace, harmony and unity across the state.
