Shillong: The Sein Niamtre Ki Khynnah Pule, Shillong, is fighting the state government over its decision to back two gospel concerts. Public money should not promote one religion in a secular state. The group argues that this violates the core principles of the Indian Constitution.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on November 2 that the state would partner with the Presbyterian Church in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and the Baptist Church in the Garo Hills for the events. This includes a government-backed Maverick City Music concert set for December 12 at Polo, Shillong. The organization demands that the state withdraw its sponsorship and let the churches run the events alone.
General secretary Budwanmi Dkhar cited the Supreme Court SR Bommai judgment to reinforce the requirement for religious equality. He specifically pointed to Article 27, which blocks using tax cash to support or maintain any single faith. "A Christian majority among the people does not make Meghalaya a Christian state, just as a Hindu majority does not make India a Hindu Rashtra," Dkhar said.
The group noted that followers of indigenous faiths like Niamtre, Niam Khasi, and Songsarek, alongside Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs, deserve the same treatment. They want full disclosure on the public funds, venue costs, and manpower allocated to these gospel shows. Moving forward, the organization wants the government to create a neutral policy for community events and stop making such financial commitments during election periods.
Comments