The ATSUM urged the state government to revoke order of the issued on October 27, 2011 regularising 188 standing religious structures without including even a single church.
TFM Desk
The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has expressed shock and surprise at the state government order for eviction of churches in Imphal East tribal colonies.
While addressing reporters, ATSUM general secretary SR Andria said the order was issued by the SDO of Porompat on December 24, 2020. What is more surprising was timing and nature of the order. When the whole Christian community in the world is celebrating Christmas, such an order for eviction of churches is very unfortunate, he added.
Giving a brief background on that basis order was issued, SR Andria said the state government had constituted a committee following a Supreme Court ruling in 2009 and its subsequent order on February 16, 2010 directing all the states and the union territories to formulate a policy regarding the removal/ relocation/regularisation of the unauthorised constructions of religious structure.
“Based on recommendation of the committee, the state government had regularised 188 standing religious structures in five districts in Manipur on Octorber 27, 2011, but not a single Christian church was included,” Andria said.
It is very unfortunate and contrary to the principle of secularism, he added.
The ATSUM has urged the state government to revoke order of the issued on October 27, 2011.