Shillong, May 10: Leaders of all faiths and communities in Meghalaya have univocally condemned the Pahalgam attack and expressed their solidarity with the Indian armed forces it their decisive action against terrorist elements across the border.
In a unique show of unity, the different faith and community leaders besides cabinet ministers gathered at Raj Bhavan for a meeting convened by governor CH Vijayashankar.
The governor urged them to come together in a spirit of unity and solidarity with the nation.
The meeting held at Raj Bhavan was also virtually attended by chief minister Conrad K Sangma and deputy chief minister from New Delhi.
It witnessed participation from representatives of several prominent religious organisations, including Nabha Bhattacharya, vice-president of Meghalaya All Faiths Forum and president of Central Pooja Committee, Shillong; Rev Ellizer N Sangma, pastor of Garo Baptist Church; Rev GPL Gadew, Presbyterian Church, Shillong; Ganesh Dkhar, member of Seng Khasi; Sayidullah Nongrum, president of Meghalaya Muslim Forum; Dr Shngain Pyrbot, general secretary, Seinraij, Shillong; Father Staibok Warjri from Catholic community on behalf of Archbishop Victor Lyngdohthe; and representatives of Presbyterian Church in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, Garo Baptist Church, Ramakrishna Mission, and Archdiocese of Shillong.
In his address, the governor strongly condemned terrorism, both in India and globally, and lauded the spiritual leaders for their collective support of the nation.
In these sensitive times, the governor has emphasised the vital role that faith leaders and community representatives play in fostering social cohesion and maintaining calm.
He has appealed to every citizen, regardless of religious or cultural background, to stand united in upholding the principles of mutual respect, patriotism, and national integrity.
He also assured that all necessary measures were being taken to maintain law and order in Meghalaya and reiterated that India’s strength lies in its diversity and democratic values, and that the message of peace must prevail above all.
In these challenging times, it is crucial for all communities to come together, reaffirm our shared values, and work collaboratively to ensure that the fabric of our diverse society remains intact and resilient, he said.
The religious leaders, in a unified voice, pledged their support to the Union Government and expressed hope for peace and harmony to prevail across the region.
All the members along with officials and the governor has honoured the martyr of attack by keeping a two minutes silence.
In his address, chief secretary DP Wahlang emphasised national unity, saying, “It is the nation that comes first.”
He also conveyed the government’s appreciation to the governor and all attendees for their presence.
Education minister Rakkam A Sangma said nation belongs to all Indians and with the support of the people, the government will reach its goal. He urged the people present to pray for the armed forces.
Power minister AT Mondal said terrorism in any form does not have any place in the country.
The all faith collectively condemned the Pahalgam attack and extended unwavering support to India’s armed forces for their decisive response in the recent swift and precise action under ‘Operation Sindoor’ that targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border, delivering a strong message against those who threaten our nation’s peace.
The governor also urged media to extend their support in disseminating this message of unity and to refrain from circulating unverified or inflammatory content during this period of heightened sensitivity.
