Shillong (Meghalya ) , Oct 23: A meeting was convened with leaders of different religious groups of Greater Shillong City at the Conference Room of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, here .
Around 15 representatives of different faiths attended the meeting in which the Superintendent of Police, ADCs and Sector Magistrates were also present.
The meeting was held to seek the support of various faiths in ensuring that peace and a spirit of harmony prevail in the run up to the Durga Puja festival. During the meeting the leaders of all the different religious faiths expressed their best wishes to the Central Puja Committee and the brothers and sisters of the Hindu Community and sought the prayers of the citizenry at large for the success of the Puja celebrations and also for peace in the city and the state as a whole.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Central Puja Committee, the Shillong All Faiths Forum and had representatives from the Muslim, Sikh, Christian denominations and the Seng Khasi Kmie.
The President of the Central Puja Committee, Naba Bhattacharya stated that the citizens of Meghalaya irrespective of caste, creed or religion have always shared an unparalleled bond and as a way to usher in a peaceful festive season, such a meeting and common resolution of leaders of all faith groups will go a long way in ensuring the message of peace and brotherhood percolates to the entire citizenry.
Rev John Madur, Arch diocese of Shillong, stated that “…as citizens of Shillong we have only one message: we are in for peace, harmony and solidarity. We speak a message of goodwill and unity and request the faithful of the different faiths of the city to spread the message of peace and harmony.”
Noor Nongrum, Asst. General Secretary, Shillong Muslim Union expressed his best wishes and support to the Durga Puja Committees of Shillong for a harmonious and safe Durga Puja.
Ms. Isawanda Laloo, IAS, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District thanked all the religious leaders and members from the CPC, who have been working closely to ensure smooth arrangements for the upcoming festival. She expressed gratitude for the encouraging words and positive messages shared by all the leaders which will help in fostering a spirit of harmony among the citizens of the district.
The SP informed the members that all necessary steps have been taken by the Police Department to ensure that the Durga Puja celebrations are carried out peacefully and also requested all sections of the society to extend their cooperation with the police personnel who have been deployed to the various parts of the city as a measure to ensure a peaceful celebration.
Other who spoke in the meeting included Rev GS Lytan, Presbyterian Church of India, Rev R. Imiong, Church of God, Hammarsing Kharhmar, Seng Khasi Kmie, Gurcharan Singh, President SGSS Gurudwara, JL Das, General Secretary, CPC and Rev E Kharkongor, Secretary, Shillong All Faiths Forum.
