Catholic Association of Shillong condemns arson attack on Church in Assam

Shillong, Jan 20: The Catholic Association of Shillong Archdiocese on Monday expressed its strongest condemnation against the alleged arson attack on a 75-year-old Catholic Church in the Ambagaon area of Udalguri District, Assam, on the night of January 15.

In a statement, president of the association VH Pala said, “This appalling incident strikes at the heart of our shared values of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. A church is far more than a structure—it is a sacred space for prayer,
solace, and community.”

Pala said that the desecration of this holy site is not only a grave injustice to the Catholic community but also a blow to the principles of unity and respect that bind our diverse society together.

“We urge the authorities in Assam to act swiftly and decisively by conducting a thorough investigation, identifying the perpetrators, and ensuring that justice prevails. It is imperative that measures are taken to safeguard all religious institutions and uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion,” he added.

The Catholic Association of Shillong Archdiocese also extends its prayers and solidarity to the faithful impacted by this tragic act.

“We also call upon people of all faiths to stand united in condemning this violence and reaffirming our commitment to peace, love, and mutual respect. As a community rooted in dialogue, forgiveness, and reconciliation, we appeal for calm and unity during this difficult time. However, we emphasize the need for accountability and proactive measures to prevent such acts of violence and hatred from recurring,” Pala said.

“The Catholic Association of Shillong Archdiocese remains dedicated to fostering a spirit of understanding and working with all communities and authorities to ensure that such reprehensible actions have no place in our society. We appreciate your esteemed publication’s consideration of this statement and request its dissemination to help raise awareness and reinforce our collective commitment to peace,” he added further.

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