Mizoram declares public holiday for prayer and rally

Mizoram state government has declared a public holiday on Monday, to protest against the persecution of Christians in Orissa, Karnataka and other parts of the country.

Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), in a statement said, leaders of the conglomerate of 13 major churches in the state is organising a "Peace Rally" on Monday here and in headquarters of seven other districts.

Rev Lalrinsanga, Secretary of MKHC said the peace rally was being organised to show solidarity with Christians in Orissa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

On Thursday, thousands of Christians in the state joined a mass prayer followed by a rally towards the centre of Aizawl city upto the Salvation Army Temple.

The procession was organised by the "Orissa Ringtute Tuarpuitu" formed by former speaker of the state assembly Rokamlova, who is a Presbyterian church elder.

The provessionists not only prayed for the persecuted Christians but also for the persecutors, PTI quoted Rokamlova saying.

Meanwhile, a Home Ministry official confirmed that attacks on Christians in Orissa was conducted in a systematic manner and was not spontaneous.

"The attacks are made in a very systematic way like blocking the roads by felling trees so that police cannot go to the spot," said M.L. Kumawat, a top official of the ministry.

"The state government needs to take very firm action against those who are instigating the violence," Kumawat told reporters. He said “strict instructions must be issued to the all concerned to ensure the prevailing situation of apparent lawlessness is brought under control."

The Christian community in Orissa and Karnataka have been seriously paralyzed by violence caused by Hindu fanatics complaining “forced conversions” by missionaries. The allegation has been completely rebuffed by Christian activists, who attribute “it for personal and political gains” of Hindutva leaders.

The mayhem since August 23 has killed over 50 and forced thousands to flee to forests and take shelter in relief camps.