Shillong, April 13: Tura BJP MDC Bernard Marak brought to light the desecration of statue of Jesus Christ during the agitation in Garo Hills for inclusivity in GHADC polls.
Marak, who is also the state BJP Vice President, visited Chibinang, where the incident took place.
Though the demolition of Tura Mosque was known to the public after the videos surfaced, nothing was known about the desecration of statue of Jesus.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had visited the NPP office, which came under attack, besides other places in Tura after the incident but not areas in Chibinang.
The Church leaders have also not come up with a statement on the incident.
The Tura MDC condemned the disturbing act of desecration of the statue of Lord Jesus Christ at Chibinang Main Market.
In a statement, Marak said during his recent visit to Chibinang and the surrounding villages affected by the recent conflict, he was informed by local residents about the ‘grave’ incident that had neither been reported in the media nor brought to public attention.
The people expressed anguish that the matter had been allegedly suppressed despite its serious impact on the Christian community, Marak said.
He said that according to villagers, a mob— reportedly comprising largely of illegal migrants — was instigated and provoked by former MLA and MDC, Esmatur Mominin. The mob allegedly engaged in widespread violence, including the burning of shops and residential houses, and deliberately targeted religious symbols, including the destruction of the statue of Lord Jesus Christ.
“The remains of the desecrated statue at Chibinang Bazar stand as a painful testament to what appears to be a targeted attack against the Christian community. Such acts not only violate the law but also threaten communal harmony and religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution of India”, Marak said.
He also expressed serious concern that no First Information Report (FIR) was filed.
The incident has not received any media coverage, and the matter has been overlooked by authorities
Marak assured the public that he will take steps to file an FIR and pursue strict legal action against all individuals involved in the incident.
