ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Thousands of Christian believers across the state joined  the mass peaceful rally called by Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) condemning the recommendation submitted by the three member committee on the contentious Tawang Church issue, claiming that the report is biased and is not justified to the Christian community of the state.
While the rally was witnessed in every district organized by the respective district Christian forums, thousands of Christians led by ACF joined the rally in the state capital from Akashdeep and passed through the state civil secretariat and gathered at the Tennis court near here on Saturday.
Speaking to the reporters, ACF president Toko Teki said that the recommendation of the committee to relocate the present church will create problems for the community, that too within six months time frame. He added that there is no proper land in Tawang where the Church can be relocated.     
Teki said that the forum is always open for a discussion on the matter. However, the ACF members have never been called for it despite submission of repeated letters to the state government, he said.
“There is no motive of the ACF in igniting religious politics in the state. However, the Chief Minister, who is also the local MLA from the district, is neglecting the issue. The matter can be swiftly solved by the CM, if he wants,” he said, adding that this is the reason why the forum is distressed over his silence.
The ACF is also sad over the non-reaction on the matter by Tapir Gao and Kiren Rijiju who are two Members of Parliament of the state.
Meanwhile, ACF Vice President Norbu Sonam said that if the state government fails to address the matter despite the protest, the ACF will discuss the next stage of protest, which will be democratic.
He said that the church has been existing in the district for the past two decades.  There is no objection by the district administration over the existing church but is on the construction of a new church nearby.
“We want the state government to grant land allotment for the same. Christian community has never opposed construction of any religious temples in any district, then why are we denied the construction of the Church in Tawang,” he questioned while referring to the Gompa, Mosque and Hindu temple built in Itanagar.  
He also said that the three member committee report which was supposed to be submitted within six months was delayed over two years.
“We want the Tawang Church issue to be solved amicably by discussion with the locals of Tawang and Christian community as done in the case of Ayodhaya temple and Babri Masjid,” he said, adding that the three member committee neglected this part.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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