The press release also mentions the situation of violence in Manipur, where tensions persist, predominantly Hindu in the Meitei and predominantly Christian Kuki communities since May 3, 2023.
“Christians in Manipur have been subjected to constant attacks which continue unabated and with the apparent approval of the BJP governments, both in the State and at the Centre,” the statement said.
The statement further mentioned “in the wake of all this, it is ironic that the Prime Minister hosted around 100 Christian representatives of different faiths on Christmas morning for a celebration.”
“While it is certainly within his rights as Prime Minister to host a reception for whomever he wishes, one might naturally question the intent of this reception when he has not condemned a single attack against Christians, during his mandate as Prime Minister,” he said.
“Those invited to the Christmas reception were a select group of Christians. Although the invitation came from the Prime Minister, this was an opportunity for them to courteously decline the invitation in light of what happened to the Christians from Manipur and elsewhere. Therefore, their acceptance of this invitation was not on our behalf!” the statement said.
“Today, we, the Christians of India, together with conscious and committed citizens, pledge ourselves to protect and promote the Constitution, the country and the citizens of India and to work with and for all those who are victims of “an unjust, insincere and authoritarian regime”, adds the press release. .
Signatories of the statement also include retired IAS officer MG Devashayam and retired IPS officer John Shilsi.
Civil society activists Apoorvanand, John Dayal, Shabnam Hashmi, Minakshi Singh, Mary Scaria and AC Michael told a press conference last week that it was ironic that the year which saw churches burned in Manipur in May, ends with Prime Minister Modi. congratulate minority community leaders.
The Prime Minister met members of the Christian community at his residence in Delhi over Christmas and praised the community for its role in guiding society and its sense of service.
