Sought Modi's intervention to stop attacks on churches: Sangma

Shillong, Feb 17 (IANS) Expressing concern on the frequent attacks on on churches and Christian institutions, former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma said he has sought personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such attacks.

Sangma's statement came on a day when Modi came out unequivocally for the first time against recent attacks on churches and controversial utterances by right-wing fringe elements, asserting his government will ensure complete freedom of faith and will not allow any religious group to incite hatred against others "overtly or covertly". He later also met a high-level Christian delegation.

Speaking to IANS, Sangma said: "I have written a personal letter to the prime minister expressing concern on frequent attacks on churches and Christian institutions in New Delhi."

Reminding Modi of his slogan "Sabka sath, sabka vikas (together with all, development for all)", Sangma, whose National People's Party supporting the NDA government, said: "It was totally refreshing to all the people of our country including political practitioners when you announced your policy of sabka sath, sabka vikas. I am sure that you do not approve of the above incidents."

Sangma also informed Modi that he had also received a communication from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) wherein they have appealed for the prime minister's intervention in upholding the rule of law, peace and harmony in the context of untoward incidents in different parts of the country, deeply disturbing the Christian community.