Church Vandalism row: Christian leaders to hold meeting with Jathedar Akal Takht
Amritsar, September 1: Bishop PK Samantha Roy of the Masih Maha Sabha, Punjab, while addressing the media on Thursday, condemned the Tarn Taran church vandalism incident and sought a thorough investigation into the matter.
Making an appeal for peace, he said, “No religion calls for violence. Religion is a private matter, every person has the fundamental right to believe in any religion or not. We do not believe in making conversions through greed or pressure. Moreover, unfortunate vandalism does not seem to be a religious matter. It is rather a politically motivated nefarious activity”.
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On September 3, 'Peace Candle March' will be held across Punjab. A delegation of Christian leaders urged the Punjab Police to ensure the security of churches and related institutions. They also extended an appeal to the Christian community to maintain peace.
While addressing the media, they said, “Conspiracy knitted by few anti-social elements will not succeed in disturbing the peace. Although a big conspiracy was hatched by a few people to create a rift in the community, the government must expose them. Any religious leader should come to us before making a statement. Statements should serve peace and not otherwise.”
Reportedly, security of churches and convent schools has been increased. In addition, enhanced security will be provided during the religious events of the Christian community. An in-depth investigation of the incidents is being carried out. The accused of Amritsar's Daduana and Patti are expected to be arrested soon.
The leaders of the Christian community also handed a demand letter to IG Border Range Manish Chawla. The demand is being made to ensure the security of Christian religious leaders and religious places.
A special coordination committee will be formed to hold a meeting with the Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib to clear the misconceptions about forced religious conversion. Christian leaders expressed concern over the statements given by the Jathedar.
On August 31, an unfortunate incident took place in the early hours of the day at Catholic Church, Patti, Tarn Taran District. A small group of men, with covered faces, entered the Church premises, tied up watchman at gun point, and then proceeded to vandalise the Pieta', the statue of the crucified Jesus in the arms of his mother Mary. They then set afire the parish's car before departing. The whole incident was captured on CCTV.
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-PTC News
