Churches in Cachar prohibits Xmas celebration due to COVID Crisis; "Not because of any threats" priests

The main churches in Silchar are closing their doors to the general public this year because of the coronavirus and not because of any kind of threat. Recently, KSU members in Shillong locked the Ramakrishna Mission’s Vivekananda Cultural Center. As a counter Bajrang Dal conveyed a threat that any Hindu daring to visit churches on Christmas day would be beaten black and blue. But now the churches in Silchar have made it clear that their doors will remain closed for the general public during Christmas. Meanwhile, the police has said that the situation is normal but if churches want extra protection then they can provide it. Although churches won’t celebrate Christmas in Silchar with grandeur, Jesus-worship will be done in Ramakrishna Mission in Silchar like every other year traditionally.

The three main churches in Silchar are the Presbyterian Church at the Oriental High School, the Baptist Church near the District Magistrate’s Office and the Catholic Church at Sonai Road. According to the authorities of each church, this time Christmas will be celebrated inside the church but the general public will not be allowed to enter. Some churches will have ‘No Entry’ posters outside them.

Father Justin speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church said “Keeping in view the global covid pandemic, we are trying to keep Christmas celebrations minimal. We don’t want people to participate in religious ceremonies risking their health. In accordance with the traditional rules, limited ceremonies will be held in the church and only insiders of the church will attend it. People of all faiths come to church every year to celebrate Christmas and we can’t force them out to leave. We don’t want such a situation to arise and that is why we have put up a ‘No Entry’ sign outside the church so that people don’t gather altogether.’

Pastor Isaac Ahmed of the Baptist Church said “A limited number of Christmas ceremonies are being held inside the church with no more than hundred people attending it. However, the inside ceremony will be shown through an LED in the field outside the church. There will be limited audience gathering and everyone will abide by the covid protocols. Everyone has been clearly instructed not to break the rules.”

On behalf of the Presbyterian Church, Bevernt Jubintakto Loange said, “We ourselves will celebrate the birth of Jesus to a limited extent but will not allow common people to attend. If the situation gets normal in the future maybe Christmas will be celebrated like before. However, this year there is the covid pandemic and we do not want to be a part of the problem by celebrating the festival in a pompous manner.”

Other churches in Barak Valley are also limiting their festivities. However, when asked about the Bajrang Dal threat, they refused to answer. Their statement is that they are only following covid protocols. Some people have made it clear that they know nothing about the threats so they don’t want to comment anything about it. One member of the Bajrang Dal made the controversial threat but the rest did not say anything further. No one has in fact even started any action to stop Hindus from going to church during Christmas.

Asked whether the church would be given extra protection during Christmas this year, DIG Dilip Kumar Dey said, “Our situation is not as bad as the way a statement has been circulated. Just as we provide protection during Durga Puja or Eid, there will be equal protection in case of Christmas celebrations as well. There are many big events in the district on that day so we have already tightened the security system. Also why should we send the police force there when the churches haven’t even asked for police protection. The festival will be celebrated peacefully and our forces will be ready in case of any unrest. There is nothing to worry about.”

Meanwhile, Jishu Pujo is being organised at Silchar Ramakrishna Mission like other years. However, it is being organised a day earlier than christmas following ‘tithi’. Worship of Jesus Christ is held in Hindu temples like Ramakrishna Mission as an unique example of interfaith harmony.