Jowai, January 6 : Seinraij Jowai, a prominent organization representing the indigenous faith of Meghalaya, has strongly objected to the state government’s plan to hold a Christian prayer service for the consecration of the newly established Captain Williamson Sangma State University on January 13, 2025.
In a press release issued today, Seinraij Jowai expressed its appreciation for the government’s efforts in promoting education, particularly the establishment of the state’s first university. However, they voiced strong disapproval of Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma’s statement justifying the prayer service by referencing Hindu rituals in Parliament and proclaiming Meghalaya a “Christian State.”
Seinraij Jowai contends that this statement undermines the secular fabric of India and Meghalaya, a state with significant religious diversity. They argue that the minister’s remark attempts to create communal division and infringes upon the Right to Freedom of Religion enshrined in Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.
The organization emphasized Meghalaya’s rich history of indigenous faiths, citing festivals like Behdienkhlam, Chad Sukra, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Shad Nongkrem, and Leh Niam Iewduh. They argue that labeling Meghalaya a “Christian State” disregards their existence as followers of the indigenous faith – Ki Khon Ka Niamtre Niam Khasi.
Seinraij Jowai further argued that holding a religious ceremony as part of an official government program within government premises violates the principle of secularism and breaches the Right to Religious Freedom. They cited the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India, which declares India a secular state, and the Supreme Court’s 1994 ruling in S. R. Bommai v. Union of India, which affirmed India’s secular status since 1950.
The organization has appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure respect for the state’s diverse cultural and religious heritage, emphasizing the importance of religious harmony and mutual respect.
