The recent erection of a Holy Cross at the historically significant site of Ibudhou Thangjing has sparked controversy, with the Meitei Churches Advocacy for Peace and Development (MCAPDAM) condemning the act as against the teachings of the Bible.
Speaking to the media at Khuman Lampak Youth Hostel in Imphal, MCAPDAM spokesperson Hijam Brojen expressed dismay over what he deemed an encroachment upon the sacred grounds of the Meitei community.
On behalf of MCAPDAM, he appealed to the concerned to remove the Cross at the earliest.
Brojen emphasised that Christian teachings do not advocate the appropriation of sacred sites belonging to other religions, describing the placement of the Holy Cross as an act of disrespect that deeply wounds the sentiments of the Meitei people.
He went further to characterise the act as akin to terrorism, emphasising the need for mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities.
The spokesperson also raised concerns over the perceived silence of CSOs in Manipur regarding this contentious issue.
He urged for their active involvement in fostering dialogue and promoting harmony to address the ongoing unrest triggered by the solidarity march on May 3, 2023.
Amid allegations of harassment directed towards Meitei Christians during the unrest, Brojen appealed to all parties involved to refrain from engaging in discriminatory behaviour.
He called for a collective effort to ensure the promotion of peaceful coexistence among the diverse population of Manipur.
