AICC condemns attack on pastor, church in northeast Manipur

Despite the Indian Constitution permitting 'Freedom of Religion', a pastor and his family was attacked in Imphal city of Manipur in North East India, for practicing their faith.

According to media reports, the Church Pastor, his wife and children were beaten and their house dismantled by a mob of 100 on December 14, 2008.

A Notice Board stick in the village gate in Manipuri is read as: "No Christian activities and propagation within Chingmeirong Kabui village Ward No. 173, any living person violating this order will be punished under the rules and regulation of the village council - By Order Village Council/Village Chief, Chingmeirong."

Delhi based Human Rights Activist, Mr. Madhu Chandra, spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline and Regional Secretary of All India Christian Council says, "The Village Council Order of Chingmeirong Kabui village is unconstitutional and no rule and regulation of any body or village council can not go beyond Indian constitutional frame."

"A memorandum of appeal addressed to Chief Secretary of Manipur Government along with copies to National Commission for Minorities and National Commission for Human Rights is sent to book the village council for the crime of unconstitutional order to Christian minorities of the village," says, Mr. Chandra.

"The chief of Chingmeirong Kabui village along with council members must be booked under 295A of Indian Panel Code for creating enmity among Christians and indigenous religious community of the village under unconstitutional order of the village council." Mr. Chandra appealed to Police forces.